Xavi Sets Attacking Blueprint as New Netherlands Coach

Xavi Hernandez used his first presentation as Netherlands head coach to set out an attacking vision built around possession, initiative and ambition. The Guardian reported that the 46-year-old described the Dutch game as a formative influence on his career and said his team would work through a process aimed at winning.

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The former Barcelona midfielder linked his approach to the Dutch ideas that shaped the Catalan club. He developed at La Masia, made his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal and later played under Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola. Xavi also recalled his personal connection with Johan Cruyff, whose football philosophy had a lasting influence at Barcelona.

On the field, Xavi indicated that he wants the Netherlands to control matches with the ball while showing passion and desire. He named 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 among systems that could help the side dominate, distancing himself from the five-defender approach used at times by previous Dutch coaches.

Xavi has already spoken with midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whom he coached at Barcelona, and 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 team. Selection will be based on performance rather than the league in which a player competes, leaving the door open to Dutch players in the Saudi Pro League as well as those in the Eredivisie and Europe's other major competitions.

The Guardian also detailed the Dutch federation's search before Xavi was appointed on August 12. Nigel de Jong, the KNVB's director of elite football, initially 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 management. De Jong later met Xavi in Amsterdam with supervisory board member Clarence Seedorf present, while Netherlands under-21 coach Michael Reiziger was also considered.

Xavi's opening fixture 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 was excited by the challenge and wants his team to reflect the proactive Dutch football he watched as a child.