Xavi Sets Attacking Blueprint in First Netherlands Presentation

Xavi Hernández has used his first presentation as Netherlands head coach to set out an attacking blueprint built around possession, initiative and ambition. The Guardian reported that the former Barcelona coach described taking the Dutch job as entering a “university of football,” reflecting the long influence of Dutch ideas on his playing and coaching career.

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That connection runs through Xavi’s years at Barcelona. He developed at La Masia, an academy shaped by the total-football principles associated with Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, then made his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal. He also played under Frank Rijkaard and later became a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side.

At his presentation on Tuesday, Xavi said his Netherlands team would seek to control matches with the ball while playing with passion, desire and ambition. He indicated that systems including 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 fit that approach, rather than making a five-defender setup his main plan.

Xavi has already spoken with midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whom he coached at Barcelona, and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk. He said another conversation with Van Dijk would follow as he seeks to understand the defender’s ambitions for the national side. The new coach also made clear that club location alone would not determine selection.

That position could matter after Tijjani Reijnders moved from Manchester City to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah. Xavi said he would consider players based in the Saudi Pro League as well as those competing in the Eredivisie, Premier League and La Liga, with individual performance his priority. His stance differs from the approach Ronald Koeman took after Steven Bergwijn joined Al-Ittihad.

The Guardian also detailed the recruitment process behind the appointment. KNVB director of elite football Nigel de Jong first approached Guardiola, who did not want a job in the near future, and then held two meetings with Arne Slot, who chose to remain in club football. Xavi subsequently met De Jong and supervisory board member Clarence Seedorf in Amsterdam before the KNVB announced his appointment on August 12.

Xavi’s first game will be a Nations League fixture against Germany in Amsterdam on September 24. Germany will also have a new coach in Jürgen Klopp. With Ruud van Nistelrooy among his staff, Xavi said his target is to reproduce the positive, attacking Dutch football he remembers watching as a child.