Xavi Hernandez is set to work alongside former Real Madrid forward Ruud van Nistelrooy after deciding to retain the Dutchman as part of his new coaching staff with the Netherlands.
The pair were previously involved in fierce El Clasico encounters while representing Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. They will now operate on the same side as Xavi prepares to take charge of the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.
Nigel de Jong, football director of the Royal Dutch Football Association, confirmed that Xavi has begun putting his coaching team together. The intention, he said, is to combine established experience with new ideas and provide the strongest possible support for both the manager and the players during international breaks.
Van Nistelrooy will remain in the set-up after joining the Netherlands’ coaching staff in February. He was also part of the team that accompanied the national side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former striker brings coaching experience from PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Leicester City. His continued involvement gives Xavi access to someone with detailed knowledge of Dutch football, as well as experience at several major clubs.
Xavi has also brought Adil Ramzi into his staff. Ramzi, who previously managed the Netherlands Under-19 side, offers knowledge of Dutch football and its emerging players. His earlier work with youth teams at Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan club Wydad also adds to his experience.
Patrick Lodewijks will return as the Netherlands’ goalkeeping coach. He previously worked with the national team before leaving the role in January 2023.
Ivan Torres will again be responsible for physical preparation, while Xavi’s staff will also include his brother Oscar and Sergio Alegre. All three have worked with Xavi before, allowing the new Netherlands manager to surround himself with people familiar with his methods and whom he trusts.
De Jong said the composition of the staff was designed to bring together domestic knowledge and an understanding of Xavi’s approach.
Van Nistelrooy and Lodewijks provide extensive familiarity with Dutch football, while Ramzi knows the country’s next generation of players. Oscar, Sergio Alegre and Ivan Torres, meanwhile, have a close understanding of how Xavi works.
The appointments mark the first stage of Xavi’s preparations for leading the Netherlands. His new group combines figures with links to the country’s football structure and coaching staff who have previously worked closely with him.
Xavi’s decision to keep Van Nistelrooy is particularly notable because of the pair’s history on opposite sides of the Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry. Their responsibilities will now be focused on preparing the Netherlands for its upcoming Nations League campaign and supporting the squad during international windows.
