{
  "id": 10411651,
  "title": "Xavi pleased with first week as Netherlands coach, but wants more",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/xavi-pleased-with-first-week-as-netherlands-coach-but-wants-more-10411651",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:36:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1543113/xavi-pleased-first-week-netherlands-coach-wants-more"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández expressed satisfaction with his first week in charge of the national team, but now wants to see his side play more attacking football in their upcoming matches. The Spanish World Cup winner praised the Dutch team's late equaliser against Germany in Amsterdam, as well as their first victory under his leadership, a 2-1 defeat of Serbia. However, Xavi highlighted that the team needed to press better, particularly in the first half, and move the ball around more quickly. He singled out AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink, who scored both goals in the Serbia match, commending his hard work and understanding of the team's playing style. Xavi's next two Nations League fixtures are against Greece in Thessaloniki and Serbia in Eindhoven. While he acknowledged that there are areas for improvement, he emphasized that the team is creating a lot of chances and feels comfortable with the current structure.",
  "summary": "AMSTERDAM: Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández is pleased with his first week in charge but now wants his side to show an even more attacking game in their next two Nations League fixtures.",
  "key_points": [
    "Xavi Hernández pleased with first week as Netherlands coach",
    "Team scored late equalizer against Germany, won 2-1 against Serbia",
    "Wants more attacking football in upcoming matches"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Xavi pleased with first week as Netherlands coach, but wants more",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/xavi-pleased-with-first-week-as-netherlands-coach-but-wants-more",
        "published": "2026-09-28T08:19:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Xavi pleased with first week as Netherlands coach, but wants more",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/xavi-pleased-with-first-week-as-netherlands-coach-but-wants-more-10414607",
        "published": "2026-09-28T09:34:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}