Xavi Hernandez unveils Netherlands blueprint built on control, passion and victory

Xavi Hernandez has said he is prepared to consider players from the Saudi Pro League as he begins his tenure as Netherlands head coach, while insisting his immediate ambition is to restore the team’s status through attractive football and winning results.

The former Spain midfielder was presented to the media at the municipality of Zeist, appearing with a broad smile and wearing headphones as he listened to the translation. Following speeches from sporting director Nigel de Jong and former Netherlands international Clarence Seedorf, Xavi applauded warmly before removing his headphones and thanking the Dutch Football Association.

“I have a close connection with this country, and I feel that today I have entered the university of football,” Xavi said, according to Dutch newspaper AD.

In his opening address, he outlined the standards he expects from the national team.

“I want to create a family spirit here; we have to begin imposing control and showing passion. But I am here to win, and I repeat it again: I am here only to win. I believe in the players’ abilities and I thank everyone for this confidence. I am completely ready to start the job, in fact I am at the highest level of readiness.”

Xavi, who was heavily influenced by Dutch football during his playing career, said he understood both the tradition and the pressure attached to leading the Netherlands.

“I am a foreigner, but I learned from this school and university when I was a player, and now I want to repay that debt. I feel the size of the pressure, but I love challenges and I am someone who loves winning.”

He declined to dwell on the Netherlands’ recent disappointments, including their failure at the latest World Cup in the United States and their defeat by Morocco in Monterrey.

“I watched many matches, but I do not prefer talking about the past. I have full respect for what Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal delivered, but I am here for the future,” he said.

Xavi revealed that he had already begun speaking to members of the squad, including captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Frenkie de Jong. He added that no final decision had been made on the inclusion or omission of experienced players, with his first international squad expected to be announced within the next few weeks.

The 18 million people of the Netherlands, he said, should be able to enjoy the football produced by the national team.

“Spain has an extended structure that its federation successfully established many years ago, and we want to apply that here. My desire is for 18 million Dutch people to enjoy the football we will provide.”

Xavi also paid tribute to Johan Cruyff, with whom he said he remained in regular contact during the final period of the Dutch great’s life.

“I was in constant contact with Cruyff in his final days. Johan was always positive, even during his illness. I want to instil this direct spirit and help my players.”

The new coach said his staff would watch as many players as possible before selecting his squad. He insisted that neither reputation nor age would determine selection, and confirmed that the door remained open to anyone performing at the required level.

“My coaching staff has an intensive schedule to follow the largest possible number of players in the coming matches. Names and ages do not matter to me at all; the door is open to whoever produces the best performances. Kees Smit? Yes, I know him and he has been assessed recently. We have three weeks to finalise the squad.”

Xavi recalled that Louis van Gaal had shown him complete faith when he was 17 and said he would not be afraid to give opportunities to younger players.

“As a coach, I am not afraid to rely on young players. Dutch football culture is enjoyable, but I want to bring performance and results together. Control and attractive football bring you closer to winning.”

Asked whether he would consider selecting players based in the Saudi Pro League, Xavi replied: “Why not? Do you follow this league? It has very strong levels.”

He also laughed off reports that the Dutch Football Association had held talks with Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot before appointing him.

“I came after Guardiola and Slot? The important thing is that I was on the podium! I do not care at all if I was the third choice; this appointment is a medal on my chest.”

Xavi said he and De Jong would work together to establish a new philosophy, while acknowledging that broader questions about the current problems in Dutch football should be directed to the sporting director.

“We hope to achieve quick results and provide a high level of football. The Netherlands is full of talent and we have to choose carefully.”

He described the project as a long-term one, with qualification for the 2030 World Cup in Spain providing additional motivation. For now, however, his focus is on the Nations League and qualification for the European Championship.