Xavi became Netherlands' first foreign coach in almost 50 years. The 46-year-old Spaniard, who succeeds Ronald Koeman, has signed a contract through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After becoming the Netherlands\u2019 first overseas-born coach since Austrian Ernst Happel vacated the reins in the 1978, he will look forward to working with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Denzel Dumfries, Jurrien Timber, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is a great honour to become head coach of the Netherlands national team. As someone who was developed at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from, among others, Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection to Dutch football. You could say I am, in a way, a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, have also played an important role in shaping me as both a player and as a coach,\" Xavi said on his appointment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The coaching staff will be further shaped in the coming weeks. Xavi added, \u201cThe intention is to put together a coaching staff that also includes Dutch input. Specific knowledge of the game, the players and the culture is of great value. By combining each other\u2019s knowledge and experience, we will create the best possible conditions to get the maximum out of ourselves and the squad.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Xavi, one of the greatest midfielders of all time, played a fundamental function in Spain conquering their first global title at South Africa 2010. \u2018The Puppet Master\u2019 completed 93 per cent of his passes as they edged the Netherlands in the Soccer City final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Xavi, one of the greatest midfielders of all time, played a fundamental function in Spain conquering their first global title at South Africa 2010. \u2018The Puppet Master\u2019 completed 93 per cent of his passes as they edged the Netherlands in the Soccer City final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Xavi, one of the greatest midfielders of all time, played a fundamental function in Spain conquering their first global title at South Africa 2010. \u2018The Puppet Master\u2019 completed 93 per cent of his passes as they edged the Netherlands in the Soccer City final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In November 2021, Xavi returned to FC Barcelona as head coach. In the 2022\/23 season, he led the club to victory in the Spanish Super Cup and to its first league title since the 2018\/19 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n