Xavi becomes first non-Dutch Netherlands coach since 1978
Former Barcelona midfielder and ex-Barcelona manager Xavi has been named the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. His appointment breaks a nearly five-decade streak of Dutch coaches leading the Oranje, with the last non-Dutch manager dating back to 1978. Xavi, who previously managed Barcelona from 2021 to 2024, takes over the Netherlands ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The appointment signals a significant shift in Dutch football's traditionally insular approach to coaching the national team.
Read the full story at bbc.co.ukXavi's appointment as Netherlands coach is a landmark decision — the first foreign appointment in almost 50 years. His Barcelona philosophy (positional play, tiki-taka roots) could reshape the Dutch national team's tactical identity. The Netherlands have a strong squad but have been without a permanent coach, and Xavi's pedigree as a player and his prior Barcelona experience give him credibility. This will be closely watched as the Dutch look to qualify for and compete in upcoming tournaments.
Context added by Socc360, not by bbc.co.uk.
Data source: bbc.co.uk (via Socc360). Last updated .
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