Xavi promises ‘attacking football’ as new Netherlands coach
Newly employed Spanish tactician Xavi Hernández has promised to showcase ‘attacking football’ after his unveiling as the new head coach of the Dutch national team.
The former Barcelona head coach will now take charge of the Dutch national team on a contract through to the 2030 World Cup after an agreement was signed on Wednesday.
Moments after his unveiling as new head coach, Xavi stated that it is a “tremendous honour” and expressed a deep-rooted personal connection to Dutch football philosophy.
The 44-year-old credited his football upbringing at Barcelona’s academy and the profound influence of Dutch legends like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels.
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“You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football,” Xavi remarked praising country’s vision of “attacking football, based on possession, with creativity, passion, and conviction.”
The coach also noted that transitioning to international management was partly a lifestyle choice, allowing him to spend valuable time with his family while fulfilling his ambition to coach at major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championships.
The major mandate of Xavi who came third place in both the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year and FIFA Ballon d’Or, followed by third place in the Ballon d’Or in 2010 and 2011, is to end the Netherlands’ long wait for a major international trophy, starting with the European Nations League fixtures in September.
