Xavi Hernandez keeps Ruud van Nistelrooy in Netherlands coaching team

Xavi Hernandez will work alongside former Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy after deciding to retain the Dutchman as part of his new coaching staff with the Netherlands national team.

The pair were once involved in fierce matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but they will now share responsibility as Xavi prepares to take charge of the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.

Nigel de Jong, the Dutch football association’s director of football, confirmed that Xavi has begun assembling his backroom team. He said the intention was to combine existing experience with fresh ideas and provide the strongest possible support for both the coach and the players during international windows.

Van Nistelrooy will remain with the national team after being appointed to the coaching staff in February. He was also part of the Netherlands set-up that accompanied the team at the 2026 World Cup.

The former striker brings coaching experience from PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Leicester City. His continued presence gives Xavi access to someone with an established understanding of Dutch football and the requirements of the national team.

Xavi has also brought back Adil Ramzi, the former Netherlands Under-19 manager, to join his new staff. Ramzi’s knowledge of Dutch football and its emerging players was considered important, while he also has previous experience with youth teams at Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan club Wydad.

Patrick Lodewijks will return as goalkeeping coach. Lodewijks previously worked with the Netherlands before leaving the national team in January 2023.

Ivan Torres will again oversee physical preparation, while Xavi’s staff will also include his brother Oscar and Sergio Alegre. Both have worked with the former Barcelona manager before, alongside Torres.

The appointments mean Xavi has surrounded himself with a mixture of established Dutch expertise and coaches familiar with his methods and working style.

De Jong said the structure had been designed to bring together local knowledge, previous experience of working with Xavi and a detailed understanding of the players.

“Van Nistelrooy and Lodewijks have deep knowledge of Dutch football, while Ramzi knows the new generation of players. Oscar, Sergio and Ivan know Xavi’s way of working closely,” De Jong said.

The combination is intended to support Xavi as he begins his work with the Netherlands. Van Nistelrooy and Lodewijks provide continuity and experience within the Dutch set-up, while Ramzi offers insight into the country’s younger players.

Oscar, Sergio Alegre and Torres, meanwhile, give Xavi trusted members of his own coaching group as he prepares for the demands of international football and the Netherlands’ Nations League campaign.