Xavi vows intensity and passion as he prepares for Netherlands debut against Germany

Xavi sets tone for new era as Oranje prepare for Nations League opener

Xavi will take charge of the Netherlands for the first time this international break, and he is preparing his team for a new approach.

The Spaniard was named as the Oranje's head coach on a four-year deal after Ronald Koeman left in the wake of a disappointing World Cup campaign over the summer. While the Netherlands enjoyed an unbeaten group stage, they fell at the first hurdle in the knockouts, losing on penalties to Morocco.

Xavi, a former World Cup winner with Spain, will face Germany in his first game in charge in Amsterdam on Thursday, as the Netherlands kick off their Nations League campaign.

"I can promise intensity, passion"

Koeman was criticised at times for taking a defensive approach with his tactics, and while Xavi did not give away too many hints about his approach, he outlined what he expects from his players on Monday.

"Everything is new for me and for the staff, so it will first be to get to know each other, know all the players, insist or convince them about our way to play," Xavi told reporters. "We don't have too much time. But no excuses; every coach is in the same situation."

"I want to explain the values that we want from the squad. I want to show them that I'm open to them; I want to help them. I want to enjoy the process with them. We want to create a family; we want to create a big group."

"The players must come to the national team with happiness, but at the end, the main goal is to win. You cannot promise results, but we will work for results. I can promise that we will play with intensity, with passion, with a good rhythm, trying to be competitive and trying to take the initiative in the game. This is for sure."

"There's going to be a different way of playing. I don't want to compare, and I don't want to talk about the past. I respect Ronald a lot. But I'm focused on the present."

Van Dijk to remain captain

Virgil van Dijk will remain the Netherlands' captain, having revealed on Sunday that he plans to keep representing his national team until Euro 2028.

"It was a really good meeting," Xavi said of meeting Van Dijk in Liverpool to discuss his Netherlands future. "He was very honest. He has the capacity to continue. He's a good leader. He's positive, he's motivated. He's ready to be the leader."