Official: Xavi appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team

Xavi Hernandez is returning to the sidelines, and this time in one of the most prestigious roles in international football: the Barcelona legend signed this evening (Wednesday) as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team until 2030 after holding several talks with representatives of the local association.

According to reports, Xavi and Roberto Martinez, the former coach of the Belgium and Portugal national teams, were the two leading names on the list of the Dutch association, which is looking for a replacement for Ronald Koeman after the World Cup. The choice ultimately fell on the ex-Barcelona coach, who wants to add Patrick Kluivert to his professional staff.

Xavi has been without a club since leaving Barcelona about two years ago. The Spanish coach chose to wait for a significant offer that would allow him to return to a major project — which he has now found. This is a particularly piquant situation: Xavi replaced Koeman as Barcelona coach in November 2021, and now steps into his shoes once again, this time on the sidelines of the Netherlands national team.

Xavi has deep ties to Dutch football. He made his debut for the Spain national team under Louis van Gaal and won the Champions League during Frank Rijkaard's time at Barcelona. In addition, during his tenure as Barca coach, he worked with Frenkie de Jong, one of the stars of the Netherlands national team.

Alongside Xavi and Martinez, names such as Peter Bosz, Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, and Michael Reiziger were also previously considered.