Sneijder Questions Xavi's Arrival as Netherlands Head Coach
The former Netherlands star questioned the Dutch Football Association's decision to hire Xavi Hernández and highlighted the differences between the Spaniard's coaching education and the requirements imposed on coaches in the country.
Xavi Hernández's positive start with the Netherlands has not prevented the first criticism surrounding his appointment. This time, however, the questions are not related to results or the Oranje's performances, but rather to the KNVB's decision to hire the Spaniard.
Wesley Sneijder, one of the most important players in the recent history of the Netherlands, expressed his doubts about the federation's criteria for selecting its new head coach during the Rondo program on Ziggo Sport.
The former player explained that he previously held discussions with Nigel de Jong, the KNVB's director of elite football, about the possibility of completing an adapted program that would allow him to obtain his coaching licenses. According to Sneijder, he was told at the time that an accelerated pathway was no longer an option.
That is why he considers it contradictory that the federation has now chosen Xavi, who obtained his A, B and Pro licenses through a different process from the one typically established in the Netherlands.
“I find it a little strange that you choose a national team coach who doesn't really meet that KNVB standard,” Sneijder explained on Ziggo Sport.
Xavi's Coaching Education Sparks Debate
The main point behind Sneijder's criticism is the difference between the two pathways. The former midfielder said Xavi obtained his licenses through the Spanish Football Federation during his playing career and claimed that he completed the process in approximately four weeks.
Meanwhile, according to Sneijder, coaches who follow the pathway established by the KNVB are required to complete a considerably longer program.
For the former Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan player, the issue is not whether Xavi holds the necessary license to coach, but rather what he sees as a change in criteria represented by his appointment.
Sneijder also recalled that when he proposed adapting his own coaching education to take into account his experience as an elite player, that possibility did not move forward.
“I wish Xavi and the KNVB all the best, but I find it strange,” the former Netherlands international said on Ziggo Sport.
Sneijder also questioned the fact that UEFA had previously been cited as a reason why these processes could not be accelerated. According to the former player, other European federations have different models for the coaching education of former professionals.
Xavi Responds on the Field With a Positive Start
Despite the questions raised by Sneijder, Xavi has started his tenure with positive results. The KNVB officially announced the Spaniard as Ronald Koeman's successor in August and handed him a contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
His first two matches produced four points from a possible six. The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany in his debut before defeating Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade. The Oranje will now visit Greece in Thessaloniki on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League.
Sneijder's criticism, therefore, is primarily directed at the federation's policy rather than Xavi's early results. The former player made it clear that he wants the coach to succeed, but believes his appointment exposes a difference between the rules applied to Dutch coaches and the pathway followed by the Spaniard.
Sneijder Sparks Debate Over Xavi's Appointment
- Wesley Sneijder questioned the KNVB's criteria for hiring Xavi Hernández as the Netherlands head coach.
- The former player said on Ziggo Sport that he was previously unable to pursue an accelerated coaching pathway and considers the process accepted for Xavi contradictory.
- Xavi has started his tenure with four points from two matches and is under contract with the Netherlands through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Xavier Hernández Creus
Netherlands
