Sabi Hernandez, who had declined the South Korea job, says, "I am a son of Dutch football"... Becomes first foreign coach for national team in 48 years, surpassing Slot and others

*This content was translated by AI.

Sabi Hernandez, reportedly having turned down the offer to become South Korea's national team coach, has finally taken charge of his first-ever national team. The choice was the "Orange Army," the Netherlands.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) officially announced Sabi's appointment as head coach of the Netherlands national team on the 13th (Korean time) via its website and social media channels. The contract runs until 2030.

This marks the first time in 48 years that the Netherlands has entrusted its national team to a foreign coach. The last foreign commander was Austrian-born Ernst Happel in 1978.

For Sabi, this is also a new challenge. As a player, he was a key figure for the Spanish national team, experiencing numerous international tournaments including winning the 2010 South Africa World Cup. However, this is his first time leading a national team as a coach.

After retiring from active play, Sabi began his coaching career at Qatar's Al Sadd and later took charge of his former club Barcelona (Spain), leading the team from 2021 to 2024. During that period, he won one La Liga title and one Spanish Super Cup.

Spanish media outlet As explained, "Although Sabi was named as a candidate for coaching positions at several clubs after leaving Barcelona, he ultimately decided to take on the challenge of leading the Netherlands national team."

There is also a connection to South Korean football. Two years ago, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that the Korea Football Association had offered Sabi the position of South Korea's national team coach following the dismissal of coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

At the time, it was reported that Sabi expressed gratitude for the interest and offer from the Korean side but chose not to accept it.

Sabi emerged as the final choice of the KNVB among a field of strong candidates. According to As, the KNVB seriously considered several options including Sabi, former Belgium national team coach Roberto Martinez, and Michael Reiziger, who currently leads the Netherlands U-21 national team.

Former Liverpool coach Arne Slot was also mentioned as one of the leading candidates. However, it is understood that Slot declined the KNVB's offer because he wished to continue his coaching career in club football rather than with a national team.

As reported that "the appointment process involved KNVB Secretary General Marianne van de Rijdt, Elite Football Director Nigel de Jong, and Technical Committee member Clarence Seedorf."

It further explained, "Ultimately, these three individuals selected Sabi as the new coach with an eye toward major upcoming tournaments such as Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup."

Patrick Kluivert, former teammate of Sabi at Barcelona and ex-coach of Do Ne-si-a (CEO), will join the Netherlands national team coaching staff to assist Sabi.

Immediately upon taking office, Sabi emphasized his special connection with Dutch football. He stated, "I consider it a great honor to become the head coach of the Netherlands national team."

He continued, "I grew up in FC Barcelona's youth system, and during that process, I was strongly influenced by many figures including Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels. That is why I feel a special bond with Dutch football."

He added, "In a way, I can be considered somewhat of a son of Dutch football."

Finally, Sabi emphasized, "Louis van Gaal also had a major influence on me. I made my debut for Barcelona's first team under coach Van Gaal. Frank Rijkaard also played an important role in my growth both as a player and a coach."

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*This content was translated by AI.