Xavi Simons sends warm welcome to new Netherlands boss

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has congratulated his namesake, Xavi Hernández, after the former Barcelona coach returned to management as the new head coach of the Netherlands.

Hernández agreed to take charge of the Dutch national team on Wednesday, ending a two-year spell away from the touchline after his dismissal by Barcelona. He replaces Ronald Koeman and will now work with Simons at international level.

Simons was among the first football figures to publicly welcome Hernández to the role. Posting an old photograph of the pair on his official X account, the midfielder wrote: The name that inspired mine. Welcome to the Netherlands, coach Xavi Hernández.

The message underlined the personal connection between the two men, whose shared first name has long attracted attention. Hernández’s appointment marks his first return to coaching since leaving Barcelona and gives Simons the opportunity to work under the manager who helped inspire his name.