New-look Netherlands will play with intensity in Nations League, says Xavi

Amsterdam, Netherlands - New Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez aims to inject more intensity into his team's play and encourage them to take the initiative in their upcoming Nations League matches, he announced on Monday. A former World Cup winner with Spain and a former Barcelona coach, Xavi assumes charge of his first match with the Dutch squad when they host Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday. This will be followed by two games against Serbia and a trip to Greece as part of the expanded international window.

Upon meeting the 26-man squad for the first time on Monday, Xavi pledged to emphasize hard work and application from the players. "Everything is new for me and for the staff so it will first be to get to know each other, know all the players, insist or convince them about our way to play," he told a press conference. "We don't have too much time. But no excuses, every coach is in the same situation."

Xavi sought to instill specific values in the squad, assuring them that he is open and willing to help them. "I want to explain the values that we want from the squad," he said. "I want to show them that I'm open for them, I want to help them. I want to enjoy the process with them. The players must come to the national team with happiness, but at the end, the main goal is to win."

The Dutch team suffered a disappointing World Cup, losing in the last 32 to Morocco. This led to Ronald Koeman's resignation as coach, who was previously criticized for an overly defensive approach. "You cannot promise results but we will work for results," Xavi stated. "But I can promise that we will play with intensity, with passion, with a good rhythm, trying to be competitive and trying to be taking the initiative in the game. This for sure."

Xavi also addressed Virgil van Dijk's continued role as captain, following a meeting with the defender in Liverpool to discuss his international future. "It was a really good meeting. He was very honest. He has the capacity to continue. He's a good leader. He's positive, he's motivated. He's ready to be the leader."