Xavi, new Netherlands coach: 'We are here to win'

Xavi Hernández officially stepped into his new role as head coach of the Netherlands national football team, declaring his ambition to "compete, enjoy, and win." During his presentation at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) headquarters, Xavi outlined his vision for the team, focusing on an attacking philosophy. "If we play good football – and by good football I mean taking the initiative, dominating the game, and playing offensively – we will be closer to winning and achieving results. That is my idea, my philosophy," he stated. The legendary former Barcelona midfielder, a World Cup winner with Spain, highlighted his deep ties to Dutch football, acknowledging its significant influence on his own career. He described his move to the Netherlands as akin to attending "the university of football," signaling his respect for the nation's rich footballing heritage. Xavi, however, deliberately avoided discussing his predecessors, choosing instead to focus on his forward-looking approach and the challenges ahead.

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We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy and we are here to win