Wesley Sneijder Questions Xavi Hernandez Appointment as Dutch Coach

Xavi Hernandez has served as the head coach of the Netherlands national team for approximately six weeks, overseeing a 1-1 draw against Germany and a 2-1 victory over Serbia in the Nations League. Despite these early results, the appointment of the 46-year-old manager has drawn criticism from Dutch football legend Wesley Sneijder, who questioned the hiring process and the coach’s credentials, as reported by Sport Bild.

Concerns over coaching credentials

Wesley Sneijder, the 42-year-old former international who played in the 2010 World Cup final against a Spain side captained by Xavi, voiced his skepticism during an appearance on the Ziggo Sport program “Rondo.” Sneijder highlighted a discrepancy between Xavi’s qualifications and the standard requirements set by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

Sneijder stated that he finds it somewhat strange that a national coach was chosen who does not actually meet the standards of the Dutch association, noting that Xavi completed his A, B, and Pro coaching licenses within four weeks. He added that the standard of the Dutch association normally requires every coach to complete a four-and-a-half-year course.

While Sneijder offered his well-wishes to his former rival, he emphasized that Xavi possesses limited experience in senior management. Xavi’s coaching tenure began in 2019 at the Qatari club Al-Sadd before he transitioned to FC Barcelona in late 2021. His time at Barcelona concluded in the summer of 2024 following a season without a trophy.

Selection process for the national team

The path to Xavi’s appointment was clarified by Dutch sports director Nigel de Jong during the coach’s introductory press conference. De Jong revealed that the former Barcelona star was not the primary choice for the position. The federation first approached Pep Guardiola, who declined due to a planned one-year sabbatical, followed by Arne Slot, who preferred to continue his career in club football.

Xavi acknowledged his position as the third option with a sense of humor, noting, “At least we’re on the podium. I don’t care.”

Xavi leads Netherlands through 2030

The Royal Dutch Football Association has signed Xavi to a contract extending through 2030. The primary objective for the former midfielder is to lead the Netherlands, the 1988 European champions, through the upcoming European Championship and World Cup cycles.