Frenkie de Jong Welcomes Xavi's Arrival as Netherlands Head Coach
The Barcelona midfielder revealed that Xavi Hernández called him before taking charge of the Netherlands and expressed his confidence in the new project ahead of Euro 2028.
The arrival of Xavi Hernández as head coach of the Netherlands has generated particular excitement for Frenkie de Jong, who knows the Spanish manager's philosophy perfectly after spending three seasons together at Barcelona.
The 29-year-old midfielder revealed that he was among the first players to learn about the possibility of Xavi taking the job, thanks to a phone call from the coach himself.
“He called me beforehand. It was nice to find out that the possibility was on the table. Since we hadn't had a foreign national team coach for a long time, I was a little surprised. But I was happy,” he told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
The two worked together between 2021 and 2024, winning LaLiga in 2023. According to De Jong, Xavi's attacking philosophy is a perfect fit for the Oranje's identity.
“We worked well together at Barcelona. I know how he sees football, and that fits well with the Netherlands national team. He wants to press and attack, and he won't easily change those principles.”
Xavi Begins a New Era With the Netherlands
Xavi Hernández was officially unveiled as the Netherlands' new head coach on a contract running until 2030, with a clear vision: building a team capable of dominating possession and putting pressure on opponents.
The Spanish manager faces the challenge of restoring the Oranje's attacking identity, something that has historically defined Dutch football.
For De Jong, the new project comes at an important moment. After suffering a knee injury during the last FIFA World Cup, the midfielder spent several months on the sidelines.
“It was a long and difficult period. But I had far fewer doubts about whether I would recover from this injury, and when, than I did with my previous ankle injury.”
Euro 2028: The Oranje's Main Objective
Now fully recovered, De Jong hopes to rejoin the Netherlands squad and become a key figure in Xavi's project.
The next major challenge will be Euro 2028, where the Oranje will look to compete against Europe's biggest footballing powers.
“Now we have to rebuild, and that will take time. But we have a very good team with potential.”
Although he acknowledges that national teams such as England and France have an advantage, the midfielder believes collective strength can make the difference.
“We have to become really good as a team, build something genuine and develop a very recognizable identity. Then we can win a title.”
With Xavi Hernández in charge and Frenkie de Jong available once again, the Netherlands are beginning a new chapter aimed at rediscovering their identity and dreaming of another international trophy.
Key Takeaways From the Netherlands' New Project
- Frenkie de Jong revealed that Xavi Hernández called him before taking over as Netherlands head coach.
- Xavi will look to restore the Netherlands' attacking identity, while De Jong returns after recovering from injury.
- Euro 2028 will be one of the Oranje's main objectives.
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