Xavi began his reign as Netherlands manager with a 1-1 draw against Germany, but the former Barcelona star was encouraged by his side’s second-half performance and believes there is plenty more to come.
The Netherlands had to settle for a point in Amsterdam after Cody Gakpo rescued a draw with a brilliant finish from Ruben van Bommel’s cross.
Cody Gakpo rescues a 1-1 draw for Netherlands against Germany with a 92nd-minute equalizer.
Seven G/A in six starts for club and country this season ♨️ pic.twitter.com/m5o6ujfZZI
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 24, 2026
It was not the perfect start for Xavi, but there were enough positive signs for the new manager to be encouraged, particularly after a difficult opening 45 minutes.
The Netherlands struggled to impose themselves in the first half and were punished when Germany took the lead. However, the Oranje returned from the break with greater intensity, controlling possession and putting their opponents under sustained pressure.
“I was really happy with the late goal. We played a nervous first half, but in the second half we saw the way we wanted to play,” Xavi told NOS.
“We showed personality and energy, and took the initiative. We had plenty of possession and wanted to play attacking football. This is only the beginning, but I’m pleased with tonight’s performance.”
The Netherlands actually had the ball in the net twice before Gakpo’s equaliser, but neither goal stood.
Virgil van Dijk’s effort was ruled out following a VAR review, while debutant Mexx Meerdink also saw his first international goal disallowed after a foul was spotted in the build-up.
Despite those setbacks, the hosts continued to push for a winner and finished the game firmly on top.
Xavi Sees Room for Improvement
For Xavi, the second half provided a glimpse of the football he wants to establish with the Netherlands.
The former Spain international was particularly pleased with the team’s aggression and willingness to control the game, although he admitted there were areas that needed work.
“I have a good feeling, especially with the second half. We deserved more in the end; we did well, created chances, and applied high pressure, but we lost some duels, which I’m not happy about,” he said.
Xavi was also encouraged by how quickly his players adapted to his ideas. “We played like this in training. You play as you train. The players showed character and were happy. I told them during HT that we need to show more personality and need the ball more.”
However, the new manager already has an injury concern to deal with after Brian Brobbey was forced off in the first half with a muscle problem.
With Meerdink now the only available striker in the squad, Xavi confirmed that another forward will be called up, although he has yet to decide who will replace Brobbey.
One of the brightest moments of the evening came from Van Bommel. The 22-year-old PSV winger was making his Netherlands debut but showed no signs of nerves when he produced a spectacular trivela cross for Gakpo’s equaliser.
Debut. Assist. Magic. ✨
What a way to introduce yourself. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/xReaKaRw3F
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 24, 2026
Xavi was full of praise for the youngster. “It shows personality. It’s his first game for the national team, and he makes the difference. This is what we need. He’s a top player. I’m proud of him, and he deserved it.”
Van Bommel’s performance, alongside the Netherlands’ second-half improvement, gave Xavi plenty to build on. The draw may not have delivered the winning start he wanted, but the performance offered an early indication of the identity he wants his team to develop.
