Xavi Begins Netherlands Reign After Replacing Ronald Koeman
Xavi has taken charge of his first Netherlands training session, beginning his Oranje tenure after being appointed in August 2026 to succeed Ronald Koeman following the World Cup.
Key Netherlands coaching facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Netherlands coach | Xavi |
| Appointment | August 2026 |
| First squad session | Monday |
| Predecessor | Ronald Koeman, after the 2026 World Cup |
The former Barcelona midfielder starts with strong backing from Dick Advocaat, the current Curaçao manager and a three-time Netherlands boss.
Advocaat believes Xavi’s stature will carry immediate weight inside the Dutch dressing room. “He was a great player and I believe he is a very good coach as well,” he said.
The veteran coach also pointed to the impact of Xavi’s reputation on the squad, saying his standing and achievements as a player would quickly register with the international group.
Xavi won 133 caps for Spain and was central to their major-tournament dominance, lifting the World Cup in 2010 after Euro 2008 and before Euro 2012. His playing career was closely associated with the possession-heavy approach that defined Spain and Barcelona during that period.
His coaching record includes Barcelona’s 2022-23 La Liga triumph and the 2023 Supercopa de España. He led the Catalan club from November 2021 until May 2024.
What happens next: Xavi will begin shaping the Netherlands around his own football principles, with his possession-based philosophy expected to influence the team’s identity as the new cycle starts.
