Xavi Hernández Presented as New Netherlands Manager: “I Want the Ball, I Am a Winner”

Xavi Hernández has officially been presented as the new manager of the Netherlands national team until the 2030 World Cup. The Spanish coach wants his side to dominate possession, play with personality and compete with one clear objective: winning.

Xavi Hernández has officially begun his new challenge. The Spanish coach was presented on August 25, 2026 as the new manager of the Netherlands, signing on to lead the national team through the 2030 World Cup. During a major press conference alongside Dutch Football Federation sporting director Nigel de Jong, Xavi immediately outlined his footballing philosophy.

The former Barcelona coach wants the Netherlands to be a possession-based and dominant team capable of controlling matches while playing with passion.

“I have many connections with this country. I feel like I have arrived at the University of Football. I want my national team to always have the ball, but with passion. We are here to compete, enjoy ourselves and win. And I insist: we are here to win,” Xavi said.

The Spanish coach also reflected on the influence Dutch football had on him during his time at Barcelona. He described his years at the Catalan club as a masterclass and believes his new position represents an opportunity to give something back to the country that influenced the football philosophy of Barcelona.

“Being there was a master's degree, both for the good and the less good. We learned so much at Barcelona from Dutch football, and now this is an opportunity to give something back here,” he explained.

Tactically, Xavi does not intend to simply follow the defensive systems used by previous Netherlands managers such as Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman.

“I want to play with different systems: 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3. I believe we can dominate the game better with these systems,” he said.

One of the key players in his plans will be Frenkie de Jong. Xavi praised the midfielder's motivation following his appointment and expressed his hope that the Barcelona star can recover fully and return to action as soon as possible.

Xavi also spoke about Johan Cruyff, one of his biggest footballing influences. He highlighted Cruyff's positive attitude during the final years of his life and said he wants to pass those values on to his players.

Meanwhile, Nigel de Jong revealed that Xavi was actually the federation's third choice. Their first candidate was Pep Guardiola, but he wanted to take a year away from football. The second option was Arne Slot, who preferred to remain involved in club football.

The opportunity ultimately went to Xavi Hernández.

Now, the Spanish coach begins a new chapter with the Netherlands, determined to build a team that controls matches, embraces possession and, above all, is ready to compete for victories.