CORNERFLICK
Marco van Basten has criticised the Netherlands' decision to appoint Xavi Hernandez as head coach, saying the country should be producing its own top-level managers.
Van Basten's view
Speaking on the Koen en Sander show on Radio Joe, the former Netherlands striker said he would have preferred a Dutch coach in charge.
"I would have preferred a Dutch coach. I think in the Netherlands we should be able to produce coaches like that. Xavi has, of course, been a very good player," he said.
Van Basten added that choosing a foreign coach raises questions about Dutch coaching development.
"I prefer a Dutch coach and that's my personal opinion. If we cannot find a Dutch coach to lead the national team in the Netherlands, I think we are not doing something right."
Xavi breaks a long-running pattern
Xavi, who took over after Ronald Koeman's departure, has signed a deal with the Dutch federation through the 2030 World Cup.
The former Barcelona coach is the first foreign manager of the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in 1978, a move that has divided opinion in the country.
Van Basten, who managed the Netherlands between 2004 and 2008, also ruled out any return to coaching or a more active role in football.
"No, absolutely not. My work with football is over. I want to do other things," he said.