Schneider criticises Xavi's appointment as Netherlands coach

Wesley Schneider, the former star of the Netherlands national team, has criticized the appointment of Xavi as the head coach of the Netherlands national team, considering that the Spanish coach does not meet the criteria set by the Dutch Football Association for coaching national teams.

Wesley Schneider stated in remarks to "Ziggo Sport": "I find it a bit strange when you choose a coach for the national team who does not meet the criteria of the Netherlands Football Association. Xavi obtained his A, B, and Pro licenses within four weeks while he was still a player, through the Spanish Football Federation. Of course, he has these licenses, but not according to the standards of the Netherlands Football Association."

He added: "It's strange because you say previously that every coach is required to complete a course lasting four and a half years, then you hire someone who has not undergone it at all, on the grounds that he has worked with great coaches."

Wesley Sneijder expressed his best wishes for Xavi and the Netherlands Football Association, but he finds the situation strange.

Wesley Schneider's remarks come despite Xavi's positive start with the Netherlands, where he has earned four points from his first two matches in the UEFA Nations League. The Spanish coach enjoys widespread support from Dutch fans following the performances the team has delivered under his leadership.

Wesley Schneider's criticisms carry a notable paradox, as the former Netherlands international himself withdrew in 2021 from a coaching course linked to the Netherlands Football Association, after disagreements over the content of the training program. At that time, he emphasized that he understood the necessity of learning, but he refused to diminish the experience of former players.