Former Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernández has reportedly, agreed to take charge of the Netherlands national team, marking his return to management and his first appointment at international level.
According to reports on Wednesday, Xavi has reached an agreement with the Dutch football authorities and is expected to succeed the current Netherlands coach following the completion of the formalities.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, confirmed the development in a post on X, writing, “Xavi has agreed to become the new Dutch national team head coach, a done deal.
“Agreement signed today for former Barcelona head coach.”
The appointment represents a new chapter in Xavi’s coaching career after his spell in charge of Barcelona.
The former Spain international managed the Catalan giants from 2021 until 2024, guiding them to the La Liga title during the 2022/23 season.
Xavi, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, has built his coaching philosophy around possession-based football, a style heavily influenced by Barcelona’s traditional approach and the ideas of Johan Cruyff.
His move to the Netherlands will provide the 46-year-old with an opportunity to apply that philosophy to international football, where preparation time with players is considerably more limited than at club level.
The Netherlands job will also represent Xavi’s first senior managerial position outside club football.
He previously gained coaching experience with Barcelona’s youth setup before taking charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, where he began his senior managerial career.
The Dutch national team, known as the Oranje, will now look to Xavi to help develop a competitive side and challenge for major international honours.
Earlier reports indicated that former Liverpool manager Arne Slot turned down the opportunity to become the Netherlands coach, explaining that he preferred to continue his career in club football.
Xavi’s appointment is expected to generate significant interest as the former Barcelona midfielder begins his first international coaching assignment.
