'We tried to get Guardiola before Xavi' - Dutch technical director @cgtnsportsscene

Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

Dutch football technical director Nigel de Jong revealed the KNVB sounded out Pep Guardiola before settling on Spain great Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the national team.

Xavi was unveiled on Tuesday as he becomes the first foreign-born leader of the Dutch in nearly 50 years.

The 46-year-old Xavi, who has been out of work since leaving his job as Barcelona coach in May 2024, takes over from Ronald Koeman after his departure following the World Cup.

We tried to get Guardiola before Xavi - Dutch technical director

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