How Does Xavi Want to Transform the Netherlands? New Coach Reveals His Plan

The Netherlands are entering a new era after appointing former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández as their new head coach.

Xavi takes charge after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the Netherlands' early elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch were knocked out in the last 32 after losing to Morocco on penalties. Xavi has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.

At his first major press conference, Xavi made his ambitions clear. He wants to build a brave, aggressive and possession-oriented Netherlands side capable of controlling matches and competing for major trophies.

“We are here to compete, enjoy and win. I insist, we are here to win,” Xavi said.

Xavi Wants a Brave, Possession-Based Netherlands

The former Barcelona coach believes the Netherlands already have plenty of talented players. His biggest task will be turning that individual quality into a strong and united team.

Xavi wants his side to dominate possession, control matches with the ball and play brave football rather than simply reacting to opponents.

“We have many talented players, but the most important thing is to create a team, a group,” Xavi explained.

He also wants his players to show passion, ambition and a strong desire to win.

A Strong Connection With Dutch Football

Although Xavi is Spanish, he has a deep connection with Dutch football.

His football education at Barcelona's La Masia was heavily influenced by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, two of the most influential figures in Dutch football history.

Xavi has previously described himself as being, in a sense, a “son of Dutch football” because of those influences.

That background makes his appointment particularly interesting as he attempts to combine Barcelona's possession-based principles with the traditional Dutch football philosophy.

First Foreign Netherlands Coach in Nearly Five Decades

Xavi's appointment is also historic.

He is the first foreign coach of the Netherlands in nearly five decades. The previous foreign manager was Austrian coach Ernst Happel, who guided the Dutch to the 1978 World Cup final.

Xavi therefore begins his Netherlands career with a significant historical distinction.

Moving on From the World Cup Disappointment

The Netherlands' 2026 World Cup campaign ended earlier than expected.

After Koeman's departure, the Dutch federation turned to Xavi with the hope of creating a fresh identity and a new winning mentality.

The new coach has made it clear that he does not want to spend his time looking backward. Instead, his focus is on the present and the future of Dutch football.

Xavi's First Test: Germany

Xavi will not have to wait long for his first major test.

His Netherlands debut will come on September 24, 2026, when the Dutch host Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in the UEFA Nations League.

Facing one of Europe's strongest national teams in his first match will immediately give supporters an indication of what Xavi's new Netherlands side might look like.

A Long-Term Project Until 2030

The Dutch Football Association has given Xavi a long-term mandate, with his contract running through the 2030 World Cup.

His coaching staff has also been finalised, with former Netherlands and Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy joining as an assistant coach.

Xavi's mission is therefore much bigger than simply winning his first few matches.

He wants to build a Netherlands side that is united, ambitious and brave on the ball—one capable of controlling games and competing for major international honours.

Possession, attacking football, team unity and a winning mentality are at the heart of Xavi's vision for the new Netherlands.