The rumors were true: Barcelona legend and former manager Xavi Hernández has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, the KNVB (Dutch Federation) announced on Wednesday.
Xavi has signed a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, and takes on his first managerial role since leaving Barça in 2024.
Xavi replaces another Barça legend and former
player in Ronald Koeman, who left the job after this summer’s World Cup. Xavi also took over for Koeman at Barça in 2021, and Oranje fans will hope Xavi’s arrival at the national team will have the same initial impact as his arrival did for Barça five years ago.
The new boss will face a huge, high-profile challenge on his debut as the Dutch will face Jürgen Klopp’s Germany on September 24 in Amsterdam in the first game of the new UEFA Nations League campaign.
Good luck with the Oranje, Xavi!
