Xavi Hernandez says the Netherlands will play with intensity, initiative and a winning mentality as he begins a new era in charge of the national team.

The former Barcelona coach took over after Ronald Koeman resigned following the Netherlands' early World Cup exit and is preparing the side for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

Xavi outlines his approach

Xavi has emphasised that he wants the Netherlands to take the initiative rather than wait for opponents to dictate games. His message centres on energy, control and a mentality built around trying to win.

The approach reflects the style associated with his coaching career: possession with purpose, aggressive positioning and a willingness to press forward when opportunities appear.

Van Dijk remains captain

Virgil van Dijk will continue as captain, giving the new setup an experienced leader as Xavi introduces his ideas.

Continuity in leadership may help balance the wider changes around the squad, particularly as the coach works with a 26-man group ahead of the Nations League fixtures.

A fresh chapter after World Cup disappointment

The Netherlands are trying to move on from a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended earlier than expected and ultimately led to Koeman's departure.

Xavi's appointment represents a clear attempt to reset the team's direction without abandoning the country's traditional emphasis on technical football.

Nations League provides the first test

Matches against Germany, Serbia and Greece will provide an early indication of how quickly Xavi's ideas are taking hold.

International football offers limited training time, so the challenge will be translating tactical principles into performances quickly while maintaining results.

What to watch

The biggest questions will be how aggressively the Netherlands press, how much freedom attacking players receive and whether the team can combine intensity with control against strong opposition.

For Xavi, the Nations League is the first competitive platform to show what his version of the Netherlands can become.