Dick Advocaat backs Xavi Hernandez to succeed as Netherlands head coach
Former Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat has praised the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the Oranje.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: Doha Stadium Plus Qatar
A fresh tactical era for the Netherlands officially began as Xavi Hernandez took charge of his first training session with the Oranje squad on Monday. The Spanish tactician was appointed by the KNVB in August 2026 to fill the void left by Ronald Koeman following the 2026 World Cup.
His high-profile arrival has already drawn glowing praise from former national team boss Dick Advocaat. The veteran manager, who enjoyed three separate spells in charge of the Netherlands, openly welcomed the appointment as a positive step for the country's footballing future.
He was an excellent footballer and I think he is also a very good coach. Someone with his presence, what he achieved as a footballer, that makes an impression on players. Dick Advocaat
Advocaat insisted that Xavi's commanding presence will resonate immediately throughout the dressing room. Drawing on his glittering playing career—which included a 2010 World Cup win and European titles—Xavi is expected to revitalise the Dutch identity with his possession-based philosophy.
Xavi's tenure will face an immediate trial by fire when the Netherlands clash with fierce rivals Germany in the UEFA Nations League on September 24. This blockbuster showdown provides a quick gauge of how effectively the squad has absorbed their new manager's tactical principles.