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Xavi Hernández vows to restore 'Oranje's' attacking flair as new Netherlands coach
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Xavi Hernández vows to restore 'Oranje's' attacking flair as new Netherlands coach

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Xavi Hernández has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team, promising to restore the team's famous offensive playing style.
  • The former Barcelona manager aims to combine attractive football with winning results, succeeding Ronald Koeman on a four-year contract.
  • His first match will be against Germany in the Nations League on September 24, facing Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp in a debut coaching duel.

Xavi Hernández has officially taken the helm of the Netherlands national football team, vowing to reintroduce the "Oranje's" renowned offensive philosophy. The Spanish coach, speaking at his first press conference, expressed confidence that an attacking style of play, focused on initiative and dominance, will lead to success for the three-time World Cup finalists.

If we play good football... taking the initiative, dominating the game, playing offensively... we will be closer to winning and achieving results.

— Xavi HernándezDuring his first press conference as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team.

"If we play good football... taking the initiative, dominating the game, playing offensively... we will be closer to winning and achieving results," stated the 46-year-old former midfielder. He recalled watching the Netherlands as a child and admiring their attractive style, which he now aims to replicate. When asked about the priority between attractive football and results, Xavi insisted, "Both. We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy, and we are here to win."

I remember when I was a child I watched the Netherlands and you could see good football. And that is my goal: to play good football to be able to be proud.

— Xavi HernándezDescribing his aspirations for the Dutch team's playing style.

Xavi becomes the first foreign coach of the Oranje in 48 years, succeeding Ronald Koeman on a four-year deal. His coaching career includes a LaLiga title with Barcelona in 2023, though he was dismissed the following season. Before his stint at the Catalan club, he managed Qatar's Al-Sadd. Dutch football director Nigel de Jong mentioned that Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot were also considered before the decision was made.

Both. We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy, and we are here to win. I insist: we are here to win.

— Xavi HernándezResponding to a question about the importance of attractive football versus results.

"Well, it's not a bad position after Guardiola and after Slot, is it?" Xavi joked about being the third choice. His debut match is scheduled for September 24, a Nations League home fixture against Germany. He will face another debutant coach, Liverpool legend Jürgen Klopp, setting up an intriguing tactical battle.

Well, it's not a bad position after Guardiola and after Slot, is it? I don't care if I'm third or tenth.

— Xavi HernándezCommenting on being considered after other coaching candidates.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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