Xavi takes charge of Dutch national team, tasked with sparking 'culture change'

The Dutch national football team is embarking on a new era with the appointment of Xavi Hernández as head coach, aiming to implement a significant "culture change." After six years under Ronald Koeman, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) concluded that a different direction was necessary, particularly following a disappointing World Cup performance.

KNVB officials, led by director of top football Nigel de Jong, were reportedly convinced by Xavi's drive and the "passion and dominance he exudes." An anonymous KNVB board member told NRC that Xavi is expected to demand more from the players, fostering an environment where high standards are the norm, reminiscent of his own successful playing career with Barcelona and Spain.

Xavi, a celebrated midfielder, brings a philosophy centered on possession-based, dominant attacking play. His coaching stints at Al Sadd in Qatar and FC Barcelona emphasized intricate passing, creating overloads, and maintaining control of the ball. "Playing well for me means having possession of the ball," Xavi stated in 2018, highlighting his discomfort when his team relinquishes control.

This appointment marks a return to a more possession-oriented style, aligning with current trends seen in successful teams like Spain. It contrasts with the reactive, counter-attacking strategies previously employed by teams like France and the Netherlands under Louis van Gaal. However, the decision to appoint Xavi, who has limited head coaching experience and has not managed since his departure from Barcelona, is viewed as a calculated risk by the KNVB, making him the first foreign national coach in nearly fifty years.

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Good play means for me: having possession of the ball. I have difficulty when I don't have the ball. Good play is stringing twenty or thirty passes together to find openings or reach a free player.