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Xavi vows to restore pride and attacking flair to Dutch football

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Xavi Hernández vowed to restore the Netherlands' famous attacking football philosophy to improve team results.
  • The new coach aims to bring back attractive, offensive play, emphasizing both style and winning.
  • Xavi's first match as Netherlands manager will be against Germany on September 24.

Newly appointed Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández has pledged to revive the Oranje's renowned attacking football philosophy, believing it is key to improving the team's performance.

If we play good football… taking the initiative, dominating the game, playing in an offensive way… we will be closer to winning and to getting results.

— Xavi HernándezDescribing his vision for the Netherlands national team's playing style.

"If we play good football… taking the initiative, dominating the game, playing in an offensive way… we will be closer to winning and to getting results," the former midfielder stated at his first news conference. Xavi recalled watching the Netherlands play attractive football as a child and aims to restore that pride.

When asked about the importance of attractive football versus results, Xavi insisted, "Both." He added, "We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy and we are here to win. I insist, we are here to win." This marks Xavi's return to coaching after leaving Barcelona in 2024.

I remember when I was a kid watching the Netherlands, you could watch good football. And this is my target, to play good football in order to be proud.

— Xavi HernándezRecalling the Netherlands' past reputation for attractive play and his goal to restore it.

Xavi becomes the first foreign manager for the Netherlands in 48 years, signing a four-year deal. Dutch Director of Football Nigel de Jong mentioned that Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot were also approached before Xavi was appointed. Xavi's debut match will be a Nations League clash against Germany on September 24, facing Liverpool legend Jürgen Klopp.

Both.

— Xavi HernándezAnswering the question of whether attractive football or results are more important.

The Netherlands has a history of being international football's nearly men, having lost three World Cup finals without ever winning the trophy. Their sole major title remains the Euro 1988 championship.

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

— Xavi HernándezStating his objectives for the team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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