Xavi Takes Charge of the Netherlands — and Replaces Koeman Again

It’s official. Xavi Hernández has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands, signing a contract with the KNVB through the 2030 World Cup. And yes, football really has recycled the script: Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman once again, just as he did at Barcelona in November 2021.

The 46-year-old returns to management after more than two years away from the dugout and immediately takes charge of one of Europe’s biggest national teams. Xavi managed 96 games at Barcelona, winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He will now reunite with Frenkie de Jong — only this time nobody should have to check whether the club can actually register him before putting his name on the team sheet.

Xavi described himself as something of a “son of Dutch football”, pointing to the influence of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard on his football education. He also becomes the Netherlands’ first foreign head coach since 1978. Barcelona spent decades teaching him Dutch football philosophy so thoroughly that the Dutch eventually decided to take him themselves.

As for Koeman, there may be a lesson here. Before accepting his next job, perhaps he should check whether Xavi is available.