In the Netherlands, Xavi Hernández’s first public appearance as national-team coach began with a moment of mourning. Speaking on Wednesday before his debut in charge, the former Barcelona midfielder offered his condolences to Ronald Koeman following the death of Koeman’s wife, Bartina, who died aged 65. Her funeral was being held the same day.
Xavi has taken over the Oranje on a four-year agreement running to 2030, succeeding Koeman at a time when the Dutch side is preparing for a demanding opening test against Germany. The Spaniard said he has already felt a commitment from the squad to the footballing principles he wants to establish.
His approach, he explained, rests on five ideas: keeping the ball, occupying the right spaces, reacting immediately after losing possession, reading the game and playing with emotion. “You need possession to win,” Xavi said, adding that players must understand their positions and press when the ball is lost. Awareness of what is developing around them is also essential, he said, but passion remains indispensable.
The new coach believes the group has considerable room to grow. “This squad certainly has a great deal of potential,” he said, setting out an optimistic first assessment of the players now at his disposal.
A demanding first night against Germany
Xavi described his opening match against Germany as a major challenge, particularly with Jürgen Klopp now leading the German national side. He called Klopp one of the outstanding coaches of the past 15 to 20 years, adding another layer of interest to a fixture between two of Europe’s most recognisable football nations.
Looking further ahead, Xavi also expressed the hope that the Netherlands could meet Spain in the final phase of the competition. Such a meeting, he noted, would mean that both countries had secured qualification — a prospect that would give his new Dutch project a meaningful continental destination from its first days.
