Amsterdam is preparing for a particularly symbolic opening night in the Nations League, with two new figures on the touchline and little time for either to settle in. Xavi Hernández will take charge of the Netherlands for the first time when Germany visit the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday, while Jürgen Klopp begins his own official spell as Germany coach across the technical area.
For Xavi, appointed on a deal running through to the 2030 World Cup, the first days of the job have been about setting a clear identity rather than easing into the role. The 46-year-old former Barcelona manager wants the Dutch side to play with “passion, ambition and intensity”, while taking responsibility for the match rather than reacting to it.
“We want to take the initiative on the pitch. That is the way I understand football,” he said. “Now we have to find out whether we are capable of doing it.”
His outline is familiar but demanding: the Netherlands will seek to play high in the opposition half, keep the ball and defend with courage. The squad has been given several training sessions before the Germany fixture, most held behind closed doors as Xavi works on tactical patterns. He acknowledged the narrow preparation period, but refused to use it as protection from expectations. “There is a great deal to work on. We do not have much time, but there are no excuses,” he said.
A crowded first fortnight
The Germany match is only the beginning of an intense 11-day sequence for the Netherlands, who must navigate four Nations League fixtures almost immediately after gathering for the new season. Xavi described the opening assignment as “a very difficult match”, an understandable assessment against a German side entering its own new era under Klopp.
- Germany, Thursday, Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam
- Serbia, 27 September
- Greece, 1 October
- Serbia, 4 October
Beyond the tactical work, Xavi has placed emphasis on the atmosphere within the travelling group. He wants a collective without internal hierarchies becoming a distraction. “Everyone has to understand that we are a group, a family,” he said. “We do not want egos. The group and the team are what matter most here.”
That approach also informed his decision to retain Virgil van Dijk as captain. The defender, now 35, remains central to the new coach’s plans. Xavi said Van Dijk is fit to compete, ready to lead and in good condition, adding that he sees no reason for him to step away from international football.
Learning the Dutch rhythm
The former Spain midfielder has also begun the more personal work of adapting to his new surroundings. Asked about the directness often associated with Dutch public life and football debate, Xavi said he was comfortable with it. He has not yet mastered the Dutch national anthem, however, despite having promised he would learn it.
“I will try. I said I would, but it is still early and I need time,” he explained.
He was also aware of the unusual historical detail in the anthem, in which William of Orange declares loyalty to the King of Spain. For now, though, history can wait. Thursday in Amsterdam offers Xavi a first chance to show whether his intended Netherlands—brave, intense and proactive—can take shape under the lights against Germany.
