Tchafchi: We will restore the attacking philosophy of "Al-Tawain"

The new coach of the Netherlands, Spanishman Xavi Hernandez, pledged two days ago to restore the attacking philosophy for which the “Windmills” national team is renowned, expressing confidence that this approach will lift the squad out of a vortex of disappointing results. The 46-year-old former midfielder told journalists at his first press conference since being appointed as Ronald Koeman’s successor: “If we play good football, take the initiative, control the match, and play in an attacking style, we will be closer to winning and achieving results.”

The runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010 delivered a disappointing performance at this summer’s World Cup, topping their group without convincing, before being eliminated in the Round of 32 by Morocco on penalties.

The former Barcelona star said: “I remember watching the Netherlands during my childhood; we saw beautiful, attacking football with a distinctive and unique philosophy. That is my goal: to play good football so that we can feel proud.”

By signing a four-year contract to succeed Koeman, Xavi has become the first foreign manager of the Dutch national team since Austrian Ernst Happel, who led the “Oranje” to the 1978 World Cup final before losing to Argentina. Xavi, who won the 2010 World Cup as a player with Spain—defeating the Netherlands in the final—has not held any managerial position since leaving Barcelona in 2024.