Amsterdam, Aug. 27:
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has set his sights on reviving the Netherlands national football team with a more dominant and possession-based style, pledging to restore the Dutch side’s attacking identity.
Xavi, renowned for his emphasis on possession, positional play and control of matches during his playing and coaching career, believes the Netherlands have the quality to compete at the highest level.
The former Spain international has spoken about his ambition to develop a side capable of controlling games rather than relying primarily on counter-attacking football.
The Netherlands have traditionally been associated with an attacking philosophy, with “total football” forming an important part of the country’s football identity.
Xavi’s proposed approach would place greater emphasis on controlling possession, pressing aggressively after losing the ball and creating numerical advantages through positional play.
The appointment and Xavi’s plans come at a significant moment for Dutch football, which continues to produce technically gifted players but has struggled to convert that talent into consistent success at major tournaments.
His coaching philosophy was heavily influenced by his time at Barcelona and under Pep Guardiola, where possession and intelligent movement were central to the team’s style.
Xavi will face the challenge of adapting those principles to international football, where preparation time with players is considerably shorter than at club level.
The Netherlands’ squad possesses a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, giving the new coach a strong base from which to build.
Xavi has pledged a more dominant style, raising expectations that the Netherlands could return to the attacking, technically sophisticated football for which the country has long been admired.