Xavi Hernández: "I want everyone to understand that we
September 22, 2026 ·
Xavi Hernández, the new coach of the Dutch national team, emphasized that he wants to build a team that plays with passion and ambition, and focuses on togetherness without ego when preparing to face Germany in the inaugural match of the Nations League.
Xavi Hernández: "I want everyone to understand that we are
According to Mundodeportivo.
Background
Xavi Hernández, previously known as Barcelona coach, is now leading the Dutch national team with the hope of changing the face of their football. He is faced with the huge challenge of integrating players like Virgil van Dijk and building a solid team in the Nations League. Success in this competition will be an important indicator for the team's future ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Why this is important
The appointment of Xavi Hernández as coach of the Dutch national team marks a new era for Países Bajos, who has the ambition to do better in the Nations League. By focusing on togetherness and team spirit, Xavi hopes to change the team's performance ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The match against Germany is not only important for points, but also for building confidence and team identity.
Main Points
- Xavi Hernández: "I want everyone to understand that we are.
- Xavi Hernández, the new coach of the Dutch national team, emphasized that he wants to build a team that plays with passion and ambition, and focuses on togetherness without ego as it prepares to face Germany in the inaugural match of the Nations League.
- "No quiero egos, todos tienen que entender que somos un groupo".
Netherlands national team coach, In his first press conference after announcing the squad, Xavi stressed the importance of his team being the "protagonists" on the pitch.
"I want the audience to see a team full of passion, ambition and intensity," said the former Barcelona coach who now has the tough task of coaching the Dutch national team. The match against Germany which will take place on Thursday is an important moment for Xavi, which is also Jürgen Klopp's first debut as Germany coach. "We want to be protagonists on the pitch. This is my way of playing. "Now we will see if we have the ability to do it," he continued.
Xavi, who is 46 years old and has a contract until the 2030 World Cup, also stated that his team would try to play often in the opponent's area, control the ball and appear brave in defense. Before the match, Xavi had arranged several training sessions, most of which were carried out behind closed doors to finalize the game's tactics. "We have a lot of things to do. "The time we have is limited, but there is no reason not to be ready," he stressed.
The Spanish coach also emphasized the importance of togetherness in the team, "All players must understand that we are a group, we are a family. We don't want any egos. "The most important thing here is the team, not individuals," said Xavi.
Regarding the team captain, Xavi explained why 35-year-old Virgil van Dijk continues to hold the position. "He is ready to compete, ready to be our leader, our captain," he explained, adding that Van Dijk was in good condition and there was no reason not to continue his role in the national team.
The Netherlands will begin a series of four matches in the Nations League in the space of 11 days, with Germany the first opponents, followed by Serbia on September 27, Greece on October 1, and again facing Serbia on October 4. Xavi realizes that the match against Germany is a difficult test.
In the press conference, when asked about his adaptation to the character of Dutch society, he admitted that he felt "comfortable" with the direct nature of Dutch people. Xavi also admitted that he still needed time to memorize the national anthem. "I'll try it. I promise, but it's still too early. I need time," he answered. When asked about awareness of the history of the national anthem which mentions William of Orange honoring the "king of Spain", Xavi stated that he was aware of the history.
What happened next
After the first match against Germany, Xavi is expected to be able to evaluate the tactics and strategies that have been implemented. Success in the Nations League would be the first step in preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup. With a contract until 2030, Xavi has time to build a competitive and ambitious squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Xavi Hernández reveal ahead of his first match?
Xavi Hernández expressed his desire to build a team that plays with passion, ambition and intensity.
Who confirmed that Virgil van Dijk remains team captain?
Xavi Hernández explained that Virgil van Dijk is staying on as captain because he is ready to compete.
Why does Xavi Hernández want his team to be the protagonists on the pitch?
Xavi wants his team to be the protagonists on the pitch to show how to play and dominate the game.
What changes has Xavi Hernández made to the team's preparations?
Xavi has organized several training sessions, mostly behind closed doors, to mature his playing tactics.
When will the Dutch national team's first match against Germany take place?
The Dutch national team's first match against Germany will take place on Thursday at the Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam.
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