Xavi appointed head coach of Netherlands football team

Xavi has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands national team on a four-year deal. The former Barcelona manager becomes the first non-Dutch coach since Ernst Happel in 1978. He takes over following Ronald Koeman's resignation after the team’s defeat to Morocco in the last-32 of this summer's World Cup. Xavi expressed his honors in taking on this role, citing his connections to Dutch football through legendary coaches like Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal. Xavi's last managerial stint was at Barcelona, where he won a La Liga title in his first full season in charge before resigning in 2024.

• 8:15 PMBBC Sport — Xavi becomes first non-Dutch Netherlands coach since 1978