Xavi unveiled as Netherlands head coach until 2030: 'I'm coming to the university of football'

Xavi Hernández is now officially the Netherlands head coach until 2030. The former FC Barcelona midfielder and manager was presented on Tuesday by the Dutch federation, whose football director, Nigel de Jong, openly admitted that the Terrasa-born coach was not the first choice for the job. After Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot turned down the role, Xavi won the race against Michael Reiziger and took on the challenge of leading the Oranje with a message built around possession, ambition and attacking football.

• Xavi signs as Netherlands head coach until 2030, with the World Cup in Spain as the main target.
• Nigel de Jong confirmed that Guardiola and Slot rejected the position before Xavi was approached.
• The former Barça manager says the Netherlands is his 'university of football' and calls himself a 'footballing son' of the country.
• His tactical plan revolves around systems like 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3, moving away from a five-man back line.
• He has already spoken with Virgil van Dijk and with Frenkie de Jong, wishing the latter a speedy recovery.

How the selection process ended with Xavi on the Netherlands bench

Xavi's presentation in the Netherlands produced an unusual moment for this kind of event: the federation explained with complete transparency that the former Barça coach was not the first candidate. Nigel de Jong, a former Oranje international and Xavi's rival in the 2010 World Cup final won by Spain, revealed that after the World Cup a shortlist of four names was drawn up and contacts were made in phases. The first approach was with Pep Guardiola, who wanted a sabbatical year. Then Arne Slot was sounded out, but he saw himself more suited to a club job. Only after that did they focus on Xavi, while Reiziger remained as an alternative they already knew well from inside the federation.

Xavi himself played down the fact that he was not the number one option: "I don't care if I'm the third choice or the tenth choice. I feel honoured to be the Netherlands coach." The manager explained that the Dutch football director visited his home in Barcelona and that the connection was immediate from the very first contact with his agent.

'I'm coming to the university of football': Xavi's blueprint for the Dutch national team

Xavi made no secret of his emotional and intellectual link with Dutch football. "I have many connections with this country. The feeling I have is that I'm coming to the university of football," he declared. His message left no doubt about his priorities: "I want my team to always have the ball, but with passion. We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy and we are here to win." He stressed the idea of winning twice, aware of the demands that come with managing a national team historically full of talent but without a World Cup title for decades.

I know I'm a foreign coach for this country. But I'm here to help the federation, to help the coaching staff, to help the players. I want to win. I feel the pressure, but I'm a winner. And I'm ready, I'm super ready.

The playing system Xavi is preparing for the Oranje: goodbye to five defenders

One of the biggest questions among Dutch fans is whether Xavi will stick to the five-man defense used by Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman or opt for a more recognizable style. The new head coach was clear: "I like to dominate matches, take the initiative and make the team show passion and ambition." Without disrespecting his predecessors, he distanced himself from the recent past and announced his intention to play with different tactical shapes such as 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3, systems he believes are better suited to controlling games.

Van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and players from the Saudi league: Xavi's key names

Xavi revealed that he has already held conversations with captain Virgil van Dijk and with Frenkie de Jong, whom he coached at Barcelona. From the Liverpool centre-back he wants to learn more about his ambition and passion; from the Barça midfielder, who is going through a recovery phase, he hopes he returns to the pitch soon because he considers him important for both the club and the national team.

The new head coach was also asked about players who ply their trade in Saudi Arabia, such as Steven Bergwijn, Tijjani Reijnders or Crysencio Summerville. His answer left no room for doubt: "Why wouldn't I select players from the Saudi Pro League? It's a good league." He also showed that he knows the young talent Kees Smit and, when asked if he resembles Xavi, Iniesta or Busquets, he replied with a smile: "Wow, that trio is magnificent!"

The memory of Johan Cruyff and the motivation of the 2030 World Cup at the Bernabéu

Xavi recalled his connection with Johan Cruyff, who died in 2016, with whom he held conversations in the final stage of his life. "He always stayed positive, even when he was ill, I always had good vibes with him," he said. That attitude is exactly what he wants to pass on to his players: to enjoy the process and therefore get closer to silverware.

Regarding the contract until 2030, which includes the World Cup to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, Xavi answered with a mix of Culé feeling and personal ambition when asked if a potential final at the Santiago Bernabéu meant extra pressure: "Pressure? No, it's the complete opposite. Playing at the Bernabéu means more motivation for me."