‘We Should Be Able to Produce One’ — Van Basten Questions Xavi Appointment as Netherlands Coach

Marco van Basten has criticised the KNVB’s decision to appoint Xavi Hernández as Netherlands head coach, arguing that Dutch football should be capable of producing a manager good enough to lead the national team.

Xavi's appointment has already marked a historic change for the Oranje.

The former Barcelona midfielder is the first foreign Netherlands head coach since Austria's Ernst Happel in 1978 and the first Spaniard to take charge of the national side.

Van Basten would have preferred a Dutch coach

Speaking on the Coen & Sander Show on Radio JOE, Van Basten made his preference clear when asked about Xavi taking over.

The former Netherlands manager said he would rather see a Dutch coach in charge, questioning why the country could not develop its own candidate.

"“I’d prefer to have a Dutch coach.”"

Van Basten added that the Netherlands should be capable of producing a coach for the national team and suggested that the appointment of a foreign manager indicates something is not quite right within Dutch football's coaching development.

Despite his criticism, Van Basten acknowledged Xavi's qualities as a former player.

Xavi breaks a 48-year tradition

The KNVB's decision represents a major departure from the Netherlands' recent history.

Before Xavi, 19 consecutive Netherlands head coaches were Dutch, including Van Basten himself, Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and Frank de Boer.

Happel was the last foreign coach, leading the Oranje from 1977 to 1978.

Xavi therefore arrives with a unique challenge.

He must not only produce results but also convince a football culture with a strong tradition of developing its own coaches that an outsider was the right choice.

Xavi brings a decorated playing career

The Spaniard's credentials as a player are beyond question.

Xavi won the 2010 World Cup with Spain and was part of the Spanish side that dominated international football during that era.

Interestingly, his first and final Spain appearances both came against the Netherlands, adding another connection between Xavi and the Oranje.

His coaching career has also given him experience at the highest level, particularly during his time at Barcelona.

The KNVB will now hope that experience translates into success with the national team.

Van Basten has no desire to return

There is no suggestion that Van Basten's criticism is motivated by a desire to reclaim the Netherlands job.

The former striker, who managed the Oranje between 2004 and 2008, made it clear that he has no interest in returning to coaching.

Asked about another role with the federation, Van Basten said he was finished with football and preferred to follow the game from a distance.

His comments therefore appear to be about the direction of Dutch football rather than his own ambitions.

Xavi now has the chance to answer his critics

Ultimately, Xavi's performances will determine whether the KNVB made the correct decision.

A strong run with the Netherlands could quickly silence doubts about appointing a foreign coach.

But Van Basten's comments have highlighted an important debate: should the Netherlands continue its tradition of developing home-grown coaches, or should the national team be willing to look abroad for the best available manager?

Xavi now has the opportunity to provide the answer on the pitch.

Van Basten wanted a Dutch coach. The KNVB chose Xavi. Now the Spaniard must prove why.