The Netherlands are preparing to begin a new era under Xavi Hernandez, with the former Barcelona midfielder tasked with bringing a more recognisable Dutch identity back to the national team. Xavi will take charge of his first competitive match on Thursday when the Netherlands host Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
The fixture also marks the international debut of Germany coach Jurgen Klopp, giving the encounter added significance. UEFA lists Netherlands vs Germany as one of the headline matches of the opening round of the 2026/27 Nations League. The appointment of Xavi represents a major change for the Dutch side. He is the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since 1978, taking over from Ronald Koeman after the country’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. His contract runs through the 2030 World Cup.
For Xavi, the connection with Dutch football is particularly strong. His development at Barcelona was influenced by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, two figures closely associated with the Dutch approach to possession, positional play and attacking football. Xavi has previously spoken about the special connection he feels with Dutch football because of those influences. The new coach has made it clear that possession alone will not define his plans.
Ahead of his first match, Xavi said he wants the Netherlands to play with intensity, take the initiative and develop a strong collective mentality. Reuters reported that he wants to establish a new playing philosophy while avoiding direct comparisons with Koeman’s methods. That approach will be tested immediately against Germany, who are also starting a new chapter under Klopp. The Netherlands have only had a short preparation period with Xavi, meaning Thursday’s match could offer an early indication of how quickly his ideas can be transferred to the players.
Xavi has already made some significant selection decisions. Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ record goalscorer, was left out of his first 26-man squad, while captain Virgil van Dijk was retained. The squad also includes younger attacking options such as Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey, Justin Kluivert and Noa Lang. Van Dijk’s continued presence gives Xavi an experienced leader as he attempts to reshape the team. The Liverpool defender had considered his international future after the World Cup, but remained with the national team following discussions with the new coach.
The Netherlands will have little time to settle into the new system. After Germany, they face Serbia on September 27 and Greece on October 1 before meeting Serbia again on October 4. The Nations League schedule then brings further matches against Greece and Germany in November. Xavi’s challenge is therefore bigger than introducing a possession-based style.
He has inherited a squad expected to compete at the highest international level and must turn his footballing principles into results while rebuilding confidence after the World Cup. The first evidence will come at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, where the Netherlands will attempt to start the Xavi era by showing whether the ideas shaped by Dutch football can now help restore the identity that inspired them.
