Sensational confession! Netherlands chief reveals Xavi was only the third choice
The behind-the-scenes story of the Netherlands' coaching search turned out to be far more intriguing than anyone imagined.
Details: Speaking at the presentation press conference, KNVB Director of Elite Football Nigel de Jong openly admitted that Xavi Hernández was only the third candidate to coach the Netherlands national team. The first choice to replace Ronald Koeman was Pep Guardiola, but the Spaniard wanted to take a year off. The second candidate was Arne Slot, who preferred to stay active in club football. Only after that did the federation move on to Xavi.
Xavi, 46, was appointed on August 12, signing a four-year contract that will see him lead the Oranje through Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, becoming the first foreign coach of the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in 1978. The Barcelona legend reacted to the revelation with his trademark irony, noting that third position after Guardiola and Slot at least means a place on the podium, and that he does not care about it at all.
The Spaniard's first test at the helm will be a high-profile Nations League clash against Jürgen Klopp's Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena on September 24. It's worth noting that Koeman stepped down after the painful round-of-32 defeat to Morocco on penalties at the 2026 World Cup, which became the worst result in the history of the Dutch team at the tournament.
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Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
