Xavi Hernandez shapes Netherlands staff with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Adil Ramzi

Xavi Hernandez is set to work alongside former Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy after retaining the Dutchman as part of his new Netherlands coaching staff.

The pair were once involved in fierce El Clasico contests as players for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, but will now share responsibility as Xavi prepares to lead the Netherlands in the Nations League.

Nigel de Jong, football director of the Royal Netherlands Football Association, said Xavi had begun assembling his coaching team ahead of taking charge of the national side.

The aim, De Jong explained, is to combine existing expertise with fresh ideas and provide the strongest possible support for both the manager and the players during international breaks.

Van Nistelrooy will remain with the national set-up after joining the Netherlands coaching staff in February. He was also part of the team that accompanied the squad at the 2026 World Cup.

The former Netherlands international brings coaching experience from PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Leicester City. His appointment means Xavi will work with a coach whose playing career included many high-profile meetings with Barcelona during his time at Real Madrid.

Xavi has also brought back Adil Ramzi, the former Netherlands Under-19 manager, to join his new staff. Ramzi’s knowledge of Dutch football and the country’s emerging players was considered valuable, while he also has previous experience with youth teams at Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca.

The goalkeeping department will be led by Patrick Lodewijks, who returns to the Netherlands set-up after previously working with the team before leaving in January 2023.

Ivan Torres will again take responsibility for physical preparation, having previously worked with Xavi.

The staff will also include Oscar, Xavi’s brother, and Sergio Alegre, both of whom have worked with the Spanish coach in the past. Their inclusion, alongside Torres, gives Xavi a group of trusted figures familiar with his methods and day-to-day approach.

De Jong said the structure of the staff had been designed to bring together domestic knowledge and a close understanding of Xavi’s ideas.

Van Nistelrooy and Lodewijks provide extensive knowledge of Dutch football, according to De Jong, while Ramzi offers insight into the country’s next generation of players.

Oscar, Sergio and Ivan, meanwhile, already understand how Xavi wants his teams to work.

The appointments mark the beginning of Xavi’s preparations for his new role with the Netherlands. His backroom team will combine coaches with experience of Dutch football, individuals who have worked closely with the national side and colleagues who have previously operated alongside him.