Xavi Hernandez aims to revive Netherlands team and pledges a more dominating style

ZEIST, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch soccer coaches played a significant role in shaping Xavi Hernandez's career. Now, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder aims to give back to his homeland and revitalize the Netherlands team, which underperformed defensively at the 2018 World Cup.

Louis van Gaal, also a Netherlands coach, gave Xavi his debut for Barcelona. The midfielder grew up at the Catalan club, where Johan Cruyff's playing philosophy remained influential. At his presentation on Tuesday, Xavi echoed the "total football" ideals from the 1970s Dutch teams led by Cruyff, discussing his ambitions for the Netherlands' playing style. He stated, "We want to dominate the game, take the initiative with the ball, and show a team with passion, desire, and ambition."

The Netherlands Soccer Federation's technical director, Nigel de Jong, revealed that Xavi was among four candidates for the coaching position after Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot declined the offer. The other candidate was Michael Reiziger, who coaches the Netherlands' youth team. Xavi downplayed the competition, stating, "Well, it's not a bad position after Guardiola and after Slot. Third position. At least we are ... on the podium. I don't care."

Xavi's first match as the Netherlands' new coach is scheduled for September 24, against Germany, who have appointed Jürgen Klopp as their new coach. The former Liverpool manager stepped in after Julian Nagelsmann's departure following another disappointing World Cup. Xavi expressed excitement and motivation, acknowledging the challenge of facing a top European team, adding, "So yeah, it's a big challenge from the beginning, but I think we will be ready."

With Xavi at the helm, the Netherlands hopes to change its fortunes on the global stage. The team, which has reached three World Cup finals but lost all three, has a rich history of success under Xavi's guidance. At Barcelona, Xavi helped Barcelona win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues, and played a crucial role in Spain's 2010 World Cup and European Championship victories. Now, he aims to bring that winning spirit to the Netherlands.