[Official] 'South Korea's football coach candidates shrink again': Barcelona legend Xavi to take charge of Netherlands national team

*This content was translated by AI.

FC Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez (46, Spain), once mentioned as a potential successor to lead the South Korea national football team, is set to take charge of the Netherlands national team.

The Royal Dutch Football Association announced on the 13th (Korean time) that it has appointed Coach Xavi as the new head coach of the men's national team, stating, "His contract will run until the 2030 FIFA World Cup."

Ronald Koeman, who previously coached the Netherlands during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup qualifiers, resigned after the team was eliminated in the round of 32. The Dutch Football Association, which began its search for a successor, ultimately selected Coach Xavi.

This marks the first time since the 1978 Argentina World Cup, when Ernst Happel (Austria) took charge, that a foreign coach has led the Netherlands national team — a span of 48 years.

As a player, Xavi spent 17 seasons exclusively with Barcelona, leading the club to eight Spanish La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. He is regarded as one of the most legendary midfielders in football history.

He also represented Spain for 15 years, earning 133 caps in international matches. Xavi was a key member during Spain's historic three consecutive major tournament victories: UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and UEFA Euro 2012.

After retiring following four seasons with Al Sadd (Qatar), he served as head coach at both Al Sadd and Barcelona before taking on his first national team coaching role with the Netherlands.

Coach Xavi was among the candidates considered for the vacant position of South Korea's national team head coach.

Previously, Coach Xavi stated, "My next goal is to become a national team coach," adding, "Club teams leave little time to spend with family, so I would like to participate in tournaments such as the World Cup, Euro, Africa Cup of Nations, and Asian Cup." His specific mention of the 'Asian Cup' sparked significant discussion among domestic fans.

According to sources within the football community, it is true that Coach Xavi had expressed interest in the South Korea national team head coach position. However, he showed no interest in the 'interim coaching role' being pursued by the Korea Football Association (KFA). Reports indicate he did not apply for the recently concluded open recruitment for interim coaches. Subsequently, after negotiations with the Dutch Football Association, Coach Xavi signed a four-year contract guaranteeing his tenure until the next World Cup.

Formerly a consistent candidate, France's Hervé Renard has now taken charge of the Ivory Coast, while former Belgium coach Roberto Martínez is being mentioned as a potential candidate Yeo Reo (CEO) team head coach. Other South Korean coaching candidates are also gradually securing positions abroad. The KFA is currently proceeding with the recruitment process for an 'interim coach' who will lead the team in six upcoming matches: four A-match games in September and October, and two more in November.

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*This content was translated by AI.