ZEIST, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch soccer coaches helped shape Xavi Hernandez. Now the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder wants to return the favor and rejuvenate a Netherlands team that disappointed with its defensive style at the World Cup.Louis van Gaal, who also coached the Netherlands, gave Xavi his debut for Barcelona. The midfielder grew up at the Catalan club where the playing philosophy of Dutch all-time great Johan Cruyff remains strong.At his presentation Tuesday, Xavi sounded like he was harking back to the “total football” ideals of Cruyff-led Dutch teams in the 1970s as he laid out his ambitions for the Netherlands playing style.“We want ... to dominate the game, to take the initiative with the ball,” he said. “And at the same time, our goal is to show to everybody a team with passion, with desire and ambition.”Netherlands Soccer Federation technical director Nigel de Jong said Xavi was on a shortlist of four candidates for the coveted job after former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, and Arne Slot, who is still without a job after being fired by Liverpool in late May. They both declined. The other candidate was Michael Reiziger, who coaches the Netherlands’ youth team.
Xavi Hernandez aims to revive Netherlands team and pledges a more dominating style
Xavi Hernandez the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder aims to rejuvenate the Netherlands team after its disappointing World Cup performance.











