Netherlands, Xavi the new head coach: “I am a son of Dutch football, thanks to Cruyff and Michels”

The new Netherlands head coach is unveiled

Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona midfielder and manager, is the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. The Spanish coach has signed a deal with the Dutch Football Association until 2030, the year of the next World Cup.

Speaking on the Dutch federation's website, Xavi said: "Having grown up in Barcelona's youth academy, with strong influences from figures such as Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I am a son of Dutch football".

He added: "Other great coaches too, particularly Louis van Gaal, with whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, played an important role in shaping me both as a player and as a coach".