New Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández has announced his complete backroom staff, retaining former Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as his second coach.
The announcement on Saturday confirms the technical team following Xavi's official appointment on August 12, 2026. The Spanish manager took charge of the Dutch national team more than a month after Ronald Koeman resigned from the post.
Koeman stepped down following the team's early exit from the 2026 World Cup, where the Netherlands suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the round of 32.
The surprise appointment of Xavi had initially sparked rumors that former FC Barcelona and Ajax striker Patrick Kluivert would join as an assistant. However, Kluivert was not included in the finalized staff.
Assistant coaches and backroom staff
Xavi has instead hired his brother, Óscar Hernández, alongside Sergio Alegre as assistant coaches. Both previously served on Xavi's coaching staff during his managerial tenure at Spanish club FC Barcelona and Qatari side Al Sadd.
Iván Torres, another long-standing member of Xavi's inner circle, has also joined the national team setup as physical trainer.
Explaining his decisions, Xavi said he believes it is essential to surround himself with individuals possessing varied qualities, career backgrounds, and perspectives that complement one another. He noted that he has worked with Sergio, Óscar, and Iván for a long period and that they are thoroughly familiar with his working methods.
Alongside his trusted staff, Xavi has retained several Dutch coaches to maintain continuity within the national setup.
Dutch representation and technical leadership
Former Netherlands forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, who originally joined the national team backroom staff under Koeman, will remain with the senior squad as second coach. Patrick Lodewijks continues in his position as goalkeeper coach, while former Netherlands youth team coach Adil Ramzi joins the staff as fourth assistant coach.
Speaking on the official website of the Royal Dutch Football Association, known as the KNVB, Xavi said he places high value on the information and insights provided by the Dutch members of his team.
Nigel de Jong, the Elite Football director at the KNVB, detailed how the coaching group was constructed in close partnership with Xavi. De Jong said that from their earliest discussions, both parties evaluated what support was needed to assist Xavi and the squad effectively.
De Jong highlighted that international fixture windows are becoming longer and more demanding. He stated that the new coaching structure enables the management team to divide responsibilities efficiently while maintaining individual support for players during and after international gatherings.
De Jong added that the association deliberately combined existing domestic knowledge with fresh ideas. He noted that Van Nistelrooy and Lodewijks possess deep knowledge of Dutch football, Ramzi brings expertise regarding the upcoming generation of players through his previous work with youth teams, and Xavi's long-serving assistants understand the head coach's philosophy completely. He concluded that this blend has created a balanced backroom staff where different skills, backgrounds, and experiences complement each other.
