{
  "id": 761224,
  "title": "A son of Dutch football: Xavi honoured to be named Netherlands coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/a-son-of-dutch-football-xavi-honoured-to-be-named-netherlands-coach-761224",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T11:26:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1510576/son-dutch-football-xavi-honoured-be-named-netherlands-coach"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Amsterdam: The selection of Xavi as coach for the Netherlands marks a significant milestone, tying together the rich connection between Dutch football and the renowned Barcelona club. Replacing Ronald Koeman, who stepped down after the team's early exit from the 2022 World Cup, Xavi brings a wealth of experience to the role. A World Cup champion with Spain in 2010, Xavi ended his coaching career at Barcelona in 2024 after three seasons at the helm. Signed to a four-year contract, he will become the first non-Dutch coach to lead the Dutch team since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978. Despite a six-week search, Dutch media and football associations criticized the delay, but ultimately turned to Xavi after receiving rejections from potential candidates like Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag. Xavi previously coached Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2023 and shares a deep bond with Dutch football, crediting his training at the Barcelona academy and influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels. As he prepares to lead the national team, Xavi aims to focus on the 2028 European Championship and the 2026 World Cup, with an immediate challenge of four consecutive Nations League matches against Germany, Serbia (twice), and Greece.",
  "summary": "AMSTERDAM: The appointment of Xavi as Netherlands coach late on Wednesday completes an extensive search and brings full circle the special relationship between Dutch football and Barcelona.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Xavi takes charge of Netherlands, ends 48-year wait for foreign coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/xavi-takes-charge-of-netherlands-ends-48-year-wait-for-foreign-coach",
        "published": "2026-08-13T04:53:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}