Xavi Hernandez named surprise new boss of Netherlands national team

Xavi Hernandez will bring his Barcelona experience to the Netherlands national team as he's been named the replacement for Ronald Koeman. Call it Reverse Cruyff, if you will. Koeman, of course, is a former Dutch international star who played so well for Barcelona who played for Dutch legend Johan Cruyff at Barca from 1989-1995. Cruyff was credited with bringing a new culture and revolutionary system to the Blaugranas , spawning a so-called 'Dream Team' that would shake the football world and permeate deep into the foundations of Barca's La Masia academy. Xavi, of course, was a product of that system, entering Barca's set-up in 1991 and thriving in what he'd later call an "Ajax model that is all about rondos." We proudly present our new head coach. ⁰⁰Welcome, Xavi Hernández! #NothingLikeOranje #Xavi2030 pic.twitter.com/9aOpc9J53S — OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) August 12, 2026