Xavi Hernandez targets Netherlands revival and welcomes Saudi Pro League players

Xavi Hernandez says he is determined to restore the Netherlands’ status among international football’s elite after being appointed head coach of the national team.

The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder spoke at his official unveiling in the Dutch municipality of Zeist, where he said his priority was to create a strong sense of unity while making it clear that winning would be the ultimate objective.

After sporting director Nigel de Jong and former Netherlands international Clarence Seedorf addressed the media, Hernandez applauded warmly before removing his translation headset and thanking the Dutch Football Association.

“I have a close connection with this country, and I feel that today I have entered the university of football,” he said, according to Dutch newspaper AD.

“I want to create a family spirit here. We have to start imposing our control and showing passion. But I am here to win, and I repeat it again: I am here only to win. I believe in the players’ abilities and I thank everyone for this trust. I am fully ready to begin the job – in fact, I am as ready as I can be.”

Hernandez said he had been shaped by Dutch football’s traditions and now wanted to repay the influence they had on him during his playing career.

“I am a foreigner, but I learned from this school and university when I was a player, and now I want to give something back,” he added. “I understand the pressure, but I love challenges and I am someone who loves winning.”

The 46-year-old declined to dwell on the Netherlands’ recent disappointments, including their failure at the latest World Cup finals in the United States and their defeat by Morocco in Monterrey.

“I have watched many matches, but I do not prefer to talk about the past,” he said. “I have the utmost respect for what Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal achieved, but I am here for the future.”

Hernandez confirmed that contact had already been made with members of the squad, including captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Frenkie de Jong. He said he had not yet finalised his first squad and that the list would be ready in the coming weeks.

The new coach also outlined his intention to build on the Netherlands’ footballing identity while introducing a structure similar to the one developed by the Spanish Football Federation.

“Spain has an extensive structure that its federation successfully established over many years, and we want to apply that here,” he said. “My wish is for 18 million Dutch people to enjoy the football we will provide.”

Hernandez also spoke about the influence of Johan Cruyff, with whom he said he remained in regular contact during the final period of the Dutch great’s life.

“Johan was always positive, even during his illness,” said Hernandez. “I want to instil that direct spirit and help my players.”

He said his coaching staff had a demanding schedule to watch as many players as possible before selecting the squad, insisting that reputation and age would not determine who was chosen.

“The names and ages do not matter to me at all. The door is open to whoever delivers the best performances,” he said.

Asked about Kees Smit, Hernandez replied: “Yes, I know him and he was assessed recently. We have three weeks to decide the squad.” He also recalled that Louis van Gaal had shown complete faith in him when he was 17.

Hernandez added that he was not afraid to select young players and said attractive, possession-based football had to be matched by results. On players competing in the Saudi Pro League, he said: “Why not? Do you follow this league? It has extremely strong levels.”

The Spaniard also laughed off reports that the Dutch Football Association had spoken to Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot before appointing him.

“I came after Guardiola and Slot? The important thing is that I was on the podium!” he said. “It does not matter to me at all if I was the third choice. This appointment is a medal on my chest.”

Hernandez said he and De Jong wanted to establish a new philosophy, with the immediate focus on achieving quick results and selecting carefully from a talented pool of Dutch players.

He described the appointment as a long-term project, while admitting that the prospect of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup in Spain provided additional motivation. For now, however, his attention is on the Nations League and qualification for the European Championship.