Xavi Outlines Attacking Vision as Netherlands Head Coach

Xavi Hernandez has outlined an attacking, possession-led vision for the Netherlands after taking charge of the national team. Speaking at his presentation at the KNVB Campus in Zeist on Tuesday, the former Barcelona coach described his new role as an opportunity to work within a football culture that has strongly influenced his own career.

Watch the highlights:

The Guardian reported that Xavi wants the Dutch side to take the initiative with the ball while playing with passion, desire and ambition. He identified 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 as possible formations, making clear that his priority is to use systems that allow the team to control matches rather than commit to one fixed shape.

The 46-year-old has deep links to Dutch football through Barcelona. The club's academy was shaped by the ideas of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, while Xavi made his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal and later played under Frank Rijkaard. He also became a central figure in Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team, whose approach drew heavily on Cruyff's philosophy.

Xavi said he has already spoken with midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whom he coached at Barcelona, and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk. He plans another conversation with Van Dijk to discuss the defender's ambitions for the national team. The new coach also said players will be assessed on performance rather than the league in which they play, leaving the door open to selections from the Saudi Pro League as well as major European competitions.

KNVB elite football director Nigel de Jong also explained the recruitment process. According to The Guardian, Guardiola indicated that he did not want to take a job in the near future, while Arne Slot chose to remain in club management. De Jong and supervisory board member Clarence Seedorf subsequently met Xavi in Amsterdam. Netherlands under-21 coach Michael Reiziger was also considered before the federation announced Xavi on August 12.

Xavi's first match in charge is scheduled for September 24, when the Netherlands host Germany in Amsterdam in the Nations League. Germany will also have a new coach in Jurgen Klopp. Xavi said he is excited by the challenge and wants his team to reflect the adventurous Dutch football he remembers watching as a child.