Spanish sports outlet Mundo Deportivo is full of praise for the combination of Xavi Hernández and the Netherlands national team. The newspaper considers the new head coach a perfect match for Oranje, as reported by soccernews.nl on September 8.
Xavi's appointment comes at a time when the Netherlands is performing excellently in 2026 World Cup qualification. The team leads its group with 7 points from 3 games, two points clear of Japan. With 10 goals scored and 4 conceded, the squad boasts a strong +6 goal difference. An unbeaten run in the last five matches, comprising three wins and two draws, shows the good form.
Why does Mundo Deportivo consider Xavi so suitable?
Journalist Dagoberto Escorcia of Mundo Deportivo writes lyrically about the new coach's qualities. He characterizes Xavi as one of the best midfielders in the world with a deep understanding of modern football. "One of the best midfielders in the world, with a deep understanding of modern football, possession play, and constant attacking," Escorcia said. He emphasizes that the role of Netherlands national team coach is tailor-made for the Spaniard.
Escorcia finds it striking how the country so admired by Barcelona welcomed the coach with open arms. "It is particularly striking how the country so admired by Barcelona welcomed the coach with open arms, as if they chose a true legend to lead their national team back to the top," he stated. The trust shown by the entire Dutch football world is impressive and will undoubtedly rekindle Xavi's enthusiasm and belief in his abilities, according to the journalist.
What is the immediate context for Xavi's debut?
Xavi will make his debut as head coach during the upcoming international break. His first assignment is the Nations League match against Germany on September 24. This is followed by fixtures against Serbia, both home and away, and a meeting with Greece. The coach must navigate this period without several key players, however. The injuries list currently includes Frenkie de Jong, Mats Wieffer, and Xavi Simons, all of whom are unavailable.
The full squad and schedule for the coming matches can be found on our squad and fixtures pages. The strong qualifying position for the World Cup can be tracked live via the standings.
How does this news relate to current performances?
Xavi's arrival coincides with a period of stability and results. The last result was a 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 30. The team has remained unbeaten since. This solid foundation provides the new coach with a good starting point to further implement his philosophy. The focus now is on preparation for the match against Germany, the first real test under his leadership.
Xavi Hernández begins his adventure with the Netherlands with a home Nations League fixture against Germany on September 24, 2026.
