Van Gaal backs Xavi as Netherlands coach: "I'm crossing my fingers for you"

Louis van Gaal, 74, has publicly given his blessing to Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. The Dutch manager, who was linked with the job after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the World Cup, has recorded a video message in which he recalls the years they shared at Barcelona and expresses full confidence in the former midfielder for the challenge ahead.

• Van Gaal offered himself as Netherlands coach after Koeman's exit, but the job went to Xavi Hernandez.
• The former Barcelona manager recalls giving Xavi his debut in the 1998 Supercopa against Mallorca, a 2-1 defeat in which the midfielder scored.
• He praises Xavi's tactical awareness, football intelligence and forward passing despite his physical limitations as a player.
• Frank Rijkaard, another of Xavi's coaches at Barcelona, also sends his best wishes in the same video.
• Xavi responds with gratitude and says Van Gaal played a major role in his career and his life.

Van Gaal recalls Xavi's Barcelona debut in the 1998 Supercopa

In his message, Van Gaal looks back on the moment he handed Xavi his first-team breakthrough at Barcelona. The Dutch coach gave him his debut in a Supercopa match against Mallorca in 1998, a game that ended in a 2-1 defeat but featured a goal from the young midfielder from Terrassa. "I'm sure you remember it," he says in the video, before reviewing the development that followed.

As a player, your development was fantastic, despite your physical limitations. But you had enormous tactical ability, great football intelligence and an excellent forward pass.

Van Gaal also admits that appointing a foreign coach has sparked debate in the Netherlands. Even so, his message is one of total support for the federation's decision: "What are we Dutch supposed to say? Always criticize the squads or the call-ups? I have a good feeling about you. I hope you are very successful. I'm crossing my fingers for you, Xavi. Good luck. Good luck!".

The role Van Gaal played in Xavi Hernandez's career

The bond between the two goes beyond that debut. Xavi, who replied to the message with a brief "Great. Thank you very much," has spoken on several occasions about how important the Dutchman was in his early years as a professional. "He has been a very important part of my career and even my life. You are a teenager and you still don't have a very defined personality, and he trusted me a lot," the former midfielder said.

Frank Rijkaard also congratulates the new Netherlands coach

The video supporting Xavi also includes words from Frank Rijkaard, who coached him at Barcelona between 2003 and 2008 and won the 2006 Champions League with him, among other titles. The Dutch coach is surprised and delighted by the news: "Fantastic news and a wonderful surprise! You are a great player, one of the best in the world, and I always thought you could also become a great coach."

I don't doubt your talent and I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart in this new chapter of your career. Good luck. Ciao, maestro.

The challenge Xavi faces with Oranje after the Koeman era

Xavi Hernandez takes over the Netherlands bench at a moment of transition for the Dutch national team. Ronald Koeman left the role after the World Cup, and the federation opted for a young coach with a very clear playing philosophy such as the former Barcelona manager. The debate over whether a foreign coach was the right choice has been present from the start, but the messages from Van Gaal and Rijkaard aim to unite opinion behind the new project.

Xavi's appointment also represents a stylistic shift for Oranje, a national team historically led by Dutch coaches. His commitment to positional play and possession connects with Dutch football tradition, though shaped by his background in Barcelona's academy and the school of Van Gaal and Rijkaard.

Frequently asked questions about Xavi as Netherlands coach