Xavi Hernandez brushed aside being third in line for the Netherlands job as he was officially unveiled on Tuesday.
Xavi Hernandez faced the media for his official unveiling as national team manager. The Catalan coach brushed aside suggestions that he was only third choice to take charge of the Netherlands, whilst also discussing Frenkie de Jong and the challenge ahead.
Third choice: “So what if I was third choice behind Pep and Slot? Well, at least I made the podium. It is a genuine honour for me to be here as the new national team boss.”
How special the role is: “It is an absolute honour to be here. A huge honour. This is the Netherlands. I remember watching the Dutch team as a boy; they always played beautiful football. That is my objective here: to play attractive football that makes us proud.”
Dutch influence on his career: “I have deep connections with this country. It feels like stepping into the university of football, where I learned so much during my career as both a player and a manager.”
His objective: “Our main challenge is to instil our philosophy into the players and the federation. I want to implement attacking football, take the initiative on the ball, and dominate possession throughout.”
The philosophy: “If we play good football—by which I mean seizing the initiative, dominating the match, and attacking—we will be much closer to winning games and getting results. That is my idea, my philosophy.”
Frenkie de Jong: “The most important thing for Frenkie right now is to recover fully from his injury. He is really motivated by our arrival with the Dutch national team. I believe he must be a key player for us, just as he should be for Barca. He is fundamental to our philosophy and I hope he returns as quickly as possible.”
Trusting youth: “Why not? If we believe a player is ready, we will not hesitate.”
The Koeman era: “I am not here to dwell on the past; I am here to focus on the present and the future. I have immense respect for what Ronald Koeman did for the Netherlands, as well as Louis van Gaal before him, but that belongs to the past.”
