Xavi Hernandez begins Netherlands reign with reunion against 2010 World Cup adversary

Xavi Hernandez has officially started work as Netherlands manager, beginning his first international coaching role with a reunion with Nigel de Jong, the former Dutch midfielder who faced him in the 2010 World Cup final.

The 46-year-old Spaniard arrived at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) headquarters in Zeist to take over from Ronald Koeman. His appointment marks a dramatic new chapter for a coach whose career has long been associated with Barcelona and the possession-based football of tiki-taka.

It also brings Xavi to the country that helped inspire many of the ideas behind his football philosophy. The Netherlands is widely regarded as the birthplace of “total football”, a tradition that has influenced generations of coaches and players.

Although Xavi’s formal presentation to the media is not scheduled until Tuesday, he has already begun his duties. The Catalan coach toured the KNVB’s facilities and held his first working meetings with his new technical staff.

The most striking moment of his opening day came when he was welcomed by De Jong, now the Dutch federation’s director of professional football. The pair know each other from opposite sides of the pitch, having been fierce rivals in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.

That memorable match between Spain and the Netherlands included De Jong’s notorious high challenge on Xavi’s chest. More than a decade later, the incident was replaced by a friendly embrace and smiles as the former opponents met in their new roles, offering a reminder of football’s ability to change relationships over time.

Xavi is also blending members of his familiar coaching group with Dutch football knowledge as he builds his staff. His regular assistants include his brother, Oscar Hernandez, along with Sergio Alegre and Ivan Torres.

They will work alongside several figures with strong links to Dutch football. Former Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined the project, as has Moroccan coach Adel Ramzi. Patrick Lodewijks has been appointed goalkeeper coach.

The first major test of Xavi’s tenure will arrive quickly. His first competitive match in charge of the Netherlands is scheduled for 24 September at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where the hosts will face longstanding rivals Germany in the opening stage of the UEFA Nations League group phase.

It will be a demanding start for a coach beginning his first job with a national team, with the Netherlands facing one of Europe’s most familiar opponents at one of the country’s most prominent stadiums.

Fans can discuss the story and other football news in greater depth on the “Kooora” forums. The KNVB also marked Xavi’s arrival on social media with the message: “Goedemorgen Xavi! 😁👋” alongside the hashtags “#NothingLikeOranje” and “#Xavi2030”.