Netherlands: Xavi Hernández sets out his ambitions after his appointment

Xavi Hernández officially spoke on Tuesday during his presentation at the headquarters of the Dutch Football Federation. The new Netherlands coach fully embraces his status as a foreigner, while making his objective crystal clear: to build a united, dominant team, and above all, one capable of winning.

Facing the media, Xavi Hernández made no attempt to play down the expectations that come with his appointment.

"I want to win. I feel the pressure, but I'm a winner. And I'm ready, I'm SUPER READY," declared the former FC Barcelona coach.

The Spanish tactician is also well aware that he's stepping into a new environment.

"I know I'm a foreign coach for this country. But I'm here to help the federation, to help the staff, to help the players," he explained. In this way, the new head coach put collaboration at the heart of his project.

Xavi Hernández, however, already has ties with the Netherlands and its footballing culture.

"I have many connections with this country. The feeling I have is that I'm going to the university of football," he said.

A reference that speaks volumes about his respect for the Dutch school, historically associated with possession-based play, youth development, and a relentless pursuit of attacking football. These are principles that align perfectly with the Catalan's own philosophy.

"I want my team to always have the ball, but with passion," he asserted, offering a glimpse of his vision.

Xavi thus wants a squad capable of controlling matches while maintaining genuine intensity in their collective approach.

Building "a big family"

Beyond tactics and possession, the new coach also wants to create real unity around the Oranje.

"I want to create a big family here," he emphasized.

His message leaves little room for doubt about his ambitions.

"We are here to compete, we are here to enjoy, and we are here to win. I insist: we are here to WIN."

For his first experience at the helm of the Netherlands, Xavi Hernández intends to blend playing identity, passion, and a culture of winning.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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