{
  "id": 10414607,
  "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",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:34:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40441604/xavi-pleased-with-first-week-as-netherlands-coach-but-wants-more"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández expressed satisfaction with his first week in charge, while also outlining areas for improvement. The Spanish World Cup winner is keen for his side to adopt an even more attacking style in their upcoming Nations League matches. Xavi praised the Dutch team's resilience, which led to a late equalizer against Germany and secured their first victory under his leadership with a 2-1 defeat of Serbia. However, he acknowledged that there was room for improvement, particularly in their pressing during the first half of the games. Xavi singled out AZ Alkmaar striker Mexx Meerdink, who made his debut as a substitute and then started for the Dutch, scoring both goals against Serbia. He commended Meerdink for his hard work and understanding of the team's playing style. Moving forward, Xavi highlighted the need for the team to attack more spaces, widen the pitch, and quicken the ball's movement. Despite these areas for improvement, Xavi emphasized that the players feel comfortable with the structure and that a significant number of things are already going well. The Dutch side will face Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday and then take on Serbia in Eindhoven on Sunday.",
  "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. The Spanish World Cup winner wants the Dutch side playing with more of the attacking intensity that paid off last Thursday when their persistent forays forced a late equaliser against Germany in Amsterdam. This…",
  "key_points": [],
  "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": "New Straits Times",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-28T09:36:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}