Kenya Sport

Xavi Retains Ruud van Nistelrooy in Netherlands Coaching Staff

Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain part of the coaching team for the Netherlands national squad under newly appointed head coach Xavi Hernandez. The former Oranje striker is expected to provide important continuity alongside goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks as the Dutch Football Association finalizes the staff for this new era.

Coaching Staff Stability

Dutch media source Algemeen Dagblad reports that Van Nistelrooy’s position on the backroom staff is secure with Xavi at the helm. The KNVB has expressed satisfaction with Van Nistelrooy’s contributions during the 2026 World Cup campaign. Alongside him, Lodewijks, who has served as goalkeeping coach since early 2023, will also continue in his role, completing the domestic coaching lineup under the Spanish manager.

Xavi's Connection to Dutch Football

I find it an enormous honour to become the national coach of the Dutch team. As someone who was educated at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from the likes of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection with Dutch football. You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football. Other great managers, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, have also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach. Of course, the most important goal is and always will be to win, but I would prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy. The potential for that is there, as well as a solid foundation to build upon.

Xavi expressed pride in leading the Dutch national team, highlighting his emotional ties to the Total Football philosophy. His background at Barcelona and the influence of Dutch legends like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels shape his approach to coaching.

A New Era for Oranje

The 46-year-old Catalan icon signed a long-term deal running through 2030, covering both Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. He takes over from Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands exited the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32 against Morocco. Xavi becomes the 21st foreign manager in Dutch national team history and the first since Ernst Happel’s spell in the late 1970s.

Upcoming Challenges

Xavi will make his official debut as Netherlands coach when they face Germany in a UEFA Nations League match at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday, September 24. This tough opener will test his tactical approach and squad flexibility. Following that, Oranje will face Serbia and Greece in further Nations League group games, providing additional chances to measure consistency.

  • Date: September 24, 2026
  • Event: Netherlands vs Germany, UEFA Nations League
  • Venue: Johan Cruyff Arena
  • Following Matches: Serbia, Greece (Nations League group stage)

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