Sneijder criticizes Xavi’s appointment as Netherlands coach

Former Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder has criticized the appointment of Xavi as head coach of the national team.

Calling the decision strange, he said Xavi did not meet the standards set by the Dutch Football Federation.

“I find it somewhat strange that a coach who does not actually meet the federation’s standards has been selected as head coach of the Netherlands,” Sneijder said.

The former footballer said Xavi obtained his A, B and Pro coaching licenses in just four weeks. According to Sneijder, the Dutch federation currently requires coaches to complete a course lasting 4.5 years.

“I wish Xavi all the best, but he has little experience as a coach,” Sneijder concluded.

The head coach of a national team is generally expected to meet the relevant federation’s licensing and professional requirements, although federations may apply specific appointment procedures in individual cases.