Xavi Hernandez Officially Named Netherlands Head Coach

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was officially announced arsenic the caller caput manager of the Netherlands nationalist squad connected Wednesday. 

Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman, who departed pursuing the team's elimination successful the circular of 32 astatine the 2026 World Cup. He becomes the archetypal non-Dutch manager to pb the men's Oranje squad since 1978. 

The 46-year-old Spaniard has been retired of absorption since leaving Barcelona successful May 2024. He precocious interviewed with KNVB officials arsenic the federation searches for a successor to Ronald Koeman.

"My adjacent measurement could beryllium a nationalist team. It would suit me, and I privation that. I person family. A nine wouldn't let maine arsenic overmuch clip with my family, I've got young children," Xavi said successful July erstwhile discussing his vocation ambitions. 

The Dutch managerial opening follows a disappointing run astatine the 2026 World Cup. The Netherlands were eliminated successful the circular of 32 by Morocco, drafting 1-1 earlier losing 3-2 successful a punishment shootout.

Xavi brings important acquisition to the candidacy. He began his coaching vocation with Qatari nine Al Sadd successful 2019 earlier taking implicit astatine Barcelona successful November 2021, wherever helium won a La Liga rubric and a Spanish Super Cup during his three-season tenure. 

As a player, helium earned 133 caps for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup alongside European Championship titles successful 2008 and 2012.

The Netherlands volition look Germany successful UEFA Nations League play connected Sept. 24.