Third choice? Xavi doesn’t care! New Netherlands boss laughs off Guardiola and Slot snubs as he targets Oranje revival

Amsterdam, August 26 — The new coach of the Dutch national football team, Xavi Hernandez, has pledged his commitment to reviving the attacking style of play that the Oranje are renowned for. In his first press conference as the team's manager, the 46-year-old former midfielder emphasized his belief that playing good, offensive football would lead the team to better results.

Xavi, who previously led Barcelona to a La Liga title in 2023, stated that his goal is to play attractive football in order to bring pride to the Dutch people.

The Netherlands had a disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup, finishing top of their group but being eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the round of 32. Xavi, a former Barcelona player who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, vowed to bring back the football philosophy that made the Netherlands famous, acknowledging that both appealing football and results are equally important. He joked that being the third choice, after Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, was not a bad position to be in.

Xavi, who replaces Ronald Koeman on a four-year contract, becomes the first foreign coach of the Oranje in 48 years. His first match as head coach will be against Germany in a home Nations League game on September 24, with Jurgen Klopp, another national management rookie, managing Liverpool that day. Despite the team's struggles in recent years, Xavi remains optimistic and determined to make the Dutch people proud of the Oranje.