Frenkie de Jong delighted by Xavi’s appointment as Netherlands coach

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said Xavi Hernández called him before being appointed Netherlands coach. De Jong said he was a little surprised by the decision, but pleased that Xavi had considered taking the job, and that he was looking forward to working with his former coach again.

De Jong praised Xavi’s ideas, saying his style, based on pressing and attacking, and his tactical variety were a good fit for the Netherlands team. He added that the coach had a clear vision, but stressed that rebuilding the team would take time and that the next phase required patience and teamwork.

De Jong said his dispute with Barcelona over treatment for his knee injury had come to an end, explaining that the decision to opt for conservative treatment rather than surgery had been made collectively and without hard feelings. The player had returned to action for the team against Real Madrid after missing nearly four months through injury.