Xavi Hernandez appointed Netherlands manager despite Louis van Gaal favouring Peter Bosz

Xavi Hernandez’s appointment as the new head coach of the Netherlands has surprised many observers, with former Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal revealing that he would have preferred Peter Bosz for the role.

The decision means Xavi will take charge of the Dutch national team after leaving Barcelona, a move few expected to be his next step. He will succeed Ronald Koeman, repeating a managerial transition seen at Barcelona in 2021, when Xavi took over from Koeman.

Van Gaal, who managed the Netherlands during three separate spells, had been linked with a possible return to the national team before Xavi’s appointment. Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag and Bosz were also considered among the candidates for the position.

However, according to Van Gaal’s friend, singer Dries Roelvink, the former Barcelona boss believed Bosz would have been a better choice.

Roelvink’s comments were reported by Sport. He said: “Louis van Gaal told me again yesterday, in detail, that he does not consider Xavi a bad option on the part of the Dutch federation, but personally he would have preferred Peter Bosz.”

Van Gaal, 75, previously coached Xavi at Barcelona around two decades ago. Despite his preference for another candidate, he offered his congratulations to his former player after the appointment.

“Congratulations, Xavi. Good luck, my friend,” Van Gaal told him.

Xavi now faces a major challenge in his first senior international management role. In a brief statement after being appointed, he described the position as a significant honour and explained the influence Dutch football had on his development.

“I consider taking the position of coach of the Netherlands a great honour. As someone who was formed at the Barcelona academy and was heavily influenced, among others, by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection with Dutch football,” said Xavi.

The former Barcelona midfielder also acknowledged Van Gaal’s role in his early career, having made his first-team debut for the Catalan club under the Dutchman.

“It can be said that I am, to some extent, a son of Dutch football,” Xavi added.

“Other great coaches, above all Louis van Gaal, with whom I first appeared at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, played an important role in shaping me as a player and as a coach.”

Xavi’s appointment therefore combines a familiar footballing philosophy with a new international challenge. While Van Gaal did not regard him as a poor choice for the Netherlands, his public preference for Bosz underlines the debate surrounding the decision to appoint Xavi as Koeman’s successor.