Ahead of his debut as head coach of the Netherlands national team, Xavi gave an interview to Sport magazine about his first weeks in the role and his feelings ahead of the upcoming match against Germany under Jürgen Klopp. Xavi also discussed Barcelona's current situation, acknowledging the progress of players such as Lamine Yamal, Fermín, and Pau Cubarsí, and shared his thoughts on who should win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Xavi gave the interview to Sport at the Royal Dutch Football Association's training complex in Zeist. That morning, he attended his first pre-match press conference as Netherlands coach, and later conducted a training session. The training pitch is just 100 meters from the complex, and players and coaching staff cycled to it, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere Xavi has brought since joining the team.

Xavi appears eager, in high spirits, and very keen to make a strong start. He is also firmly convinced that he has found a place with a special connection to his football philosophy.

"We have a lot in common with this country in football terms. They want to see attacking football, they want to see positional football, which aligns with our philosophy at Barcelona. I feel that connection."

For Xavi, this alignment between Dutch football and Barcelona's philosophy is one of the reasons he accepted this challenge.

Xavi: Yes, I'm really looking forward to it, and it's a great project. We have a lot in common with this country in football terms, and I'm pleased about that. So far, I'm very satisfied with how we've been received, how everything is developing, and the welcome we've gotten from the team we found. It's a fantastic group. We don't have much time to prepare for tomorrow's match, but I hope we can compete with our opponents.

You look very happy.

I'm very happy right now, and so is the coaching staff. We hope to show our best football in tomorrow's match. We know it will be a difficult game against Germany, a strong team with an excellent coach in Klopp. But we'll see if we can compete with them.

Barcelona now also has a German coach, Hansi Flick. He belongs to a similar coaching system as Klopp. He took over the team after your departure; what do you think of Barcelona now?

Barcelona is in very good shape right now, to be honest. They have a very talented generation of players. Hansi is doing excellent work, and I'm pleased to see the team's current development. We also made our contribution during our time, hoping that this generation of players could achieve something. Whether here or abroad, we always keep an eye on Barcelona and wish them all the best.

You just said you also made a contribution. Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Pau Cubarsí, and several standout performances from Raphinha and Koundé… Do you feel that you also contributed to Barcelona's current success?

If we managed to help the club's revival during one of the most difficult periods Barcelona has faced in the last 20–25 years, then we're already very happy. When we see how Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Pau Cubarsí, and many other players are succeeding, and they are now World Cup champions, it fills us with enormous pride.

Lamine Yamal is nominated for the Ballon d'Or; who would you give the award to?

A Spanish player, but Messi's World Cup performance was also an outstanding achievement. Playing in a World Cup at 39 years old was incredible, truly exceptional. However, Spain are World Cup champions, so it will likely be a Spanish player… Lamine Yamal is very special, unique; he's only 19, and he will undoubtedly win the Ballon d'Or one day, but this year is certainly a good opportunity for him to win it.

What will you feel when you first face the Spain national team?

I hope so. If it actually happens, it means we're playing against the best team. They are currently the best team in the world, and I have a very good and harmonious relationship with Luis de la Fuente. I wish them all the best.

Please allow me one last question. Is there a player in the Netherlands squad whose style reminds you of your playing style back then?

(Laughs) There are different types of players. Frenkie de Jong is currently injured, Xavi Simons is also injured… There are many very capable players here, and they are physically excellent. I hope they can adapt to our football philosophy. There are different types of players in the squad.

Переведено ИИ.

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