Just after taking office, Coach Xavi immediately made the Dutch superstar squad worried.

Xavi Hernandez has officially become the head coach of the Netherlands national team, replacing Ronald Koeman. Notably, the Spanish tactician is said to bring very strict disciplinary rules for the "Oranje" players.

The Barcelona legend has not been coaching since leaving the Catalan club in April 2024. During this time, he mainly engaged in ambassadorial activities and appeared at football events.

However, on August 12th, the Royal Dutch Football Association confirmed that Xavi would become the new head coach of the national team. The 46-year-old coach signed a 4-year contract and once again succeeded Ronald Koeman, just as he did when he took over the hot seat at Barcelona previously.

Xavi became the first non-Dutch coach to lead this team since 1978. He is expected to bring the "total football" philosophy to the Netherlands team, a style of football that deeply influenced his development at the La Masia academy.

Although known for his possession-based style and attractive attacking play, Xavi is also recognized as a very disciplined coach. When he took over Barcelona in November 2021, when the team was in 9th place in La Liga, he implemented a series of strict rules for the players.

According to the newspaper AS, Xavi's first requirement was that players must arrive at the training center at least 90 minutes before practice. Even the coaching staff members had to arrive earlier.

Xavi also required all players to have meals at the training center so that the professional staff could better control their nutrition. Previously, players were allowed to eat outside.

In addition, he applied a fine system for those who violated the rules. If repeated, the fine would be doubled. Players also had to observe a curfew from midnight two days before the match.

Most notably, the rule regarding off-field activities. Xavi banned players from participating in activities considered high-risk for injury, such as surfing or using electric bicycles.

According to this rule, the above behaviors could be considered "serious breach of contract". That means Dutch stars like Virgil van Dijk or Frenkie de Jong may have to give up their risky hobbies if they want to avoid trouble under the new head coach.

Xavi: "I am a part of Dutch football"

During his break after leaving Barcelona, Xavi received many offers from clubs as well as national teams but turned them all down. However, he did not miss the opportunity to lead the Netherlands national team, which was just eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup and has never won the World Cup despite reaching the final three times. Xavi shared after the appointment ceremony:

"I consider it a great honor to become the head coach of the Netherlands national team. As someone who grew up in the Barcelona academy with great influences from Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, and many other figures, I have always felt a special connection to Dutch football.

It can be said that I am also a part of Dutch football. Great coaches like Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard played a very important role in shaping me as a player and coach.."

Xavi also praised the Netherlands as a football nation with rich traditions and a clear development philosophy. His first match as head coach of the Netherlands will take place on September 24, when the team faces Germany in the UEFA Nations League. After that, the Netherlands will continue to face Serbia and Greece in the following matches.