Xavi Hernandez’s appointment as the new Netherlands manager has come as a surprise, with former Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal admitting he would have preferred Peter Bosz for the role.
The former Barcelona midfielder is set to succeed Ronald Koeman, in a move that mirrors his arrival at the Spanish club in 2021 after Koeman’s departure. Few had expected Xavi’s next position after leaving Barcelona to be in charge of a national team, especially one with the footballing history of the Netherlands.
Van Gaal, who managed Barcelona and has coached the Netherlands during three separate spells, regarded Bosz as a stronger personal choice than Xavi, according to his friend, singer Dries Roelvink.
Speaking to Sport, Roelvink said: “Louis van Gaal told me again yesterday, in detail, that he does not consider Xavi a bad choice by the Dutch federation, but personally he would have preferred Peter Bosz.”
Van Gaal was himself linked with a return to the Netherlands post before Xavi’s appointment. The 75-year-old was among several names considered for the position, alongside Arne Slot, Erik ten Hag and Bosz.
Despite favouring another candidate, Van Gaal did not hesitate to congratulate Xavi, whom he coached at Barcelona approximately two decades ago.
“Congratulations, Xavi. Good luck, my friend,” Van Gaal told him.
Xavi now faces a significant challenge as he begins his first role in international management. In a brief statement after his appointment, he described the opportunity as a major honour and explained the connection he feels with Dutch football.
“I consider becoming the coach of the Netherlands a great honour,” said Xavi. “As someone who was formed at Barcelona’s academy and was heavily influenced by, among others, Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection with Dutch football.”
In his first comments as Netherlands manager, Xavi also paid tribute to Van Gaal, who played an important role in his development during his time at Barcelona.
“You could say that I am, to some extent, a son of Dutch football,” he said.
“Other great coaches, above all Louis van Gaal, with whom I made my first appearance at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, played an important role in shaping me as both a player and a coach.”
Xavi’s appointment therefore brings together two strands of his football education: the Barcelona academy, where he developed as a player, and the Dutch principles that influenced the club and his own career. His first task will be to apply that experience to the Netherlands, while replacing Koeman in a position that had also attracted interest from several leading coaches.
