Former Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has offered a cold reaction to the announcement of Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. Xavi was appointed to the position on Wednesday after Ronald Koeman resigned from the role following the Dutch side's elimination in the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Morocco.
When asked by ESPN for his thoughts on the Spaniard taking charge of the Oranje, Dest declined to provide a direct opinion. Instead, the USMNT defender suggested that his former Barcelona teammate, Frenkie de Jong, would be a more appropriate person to discuss Xavi’s managerial style. "I think you should ask Frenkie de Jong," Dest stated. "Just ask Frenkie, he knows better. It’s been quite a long time for me. I don’t really have that many memories of it."
Dest’s reluctance to discuss the appointment appears to stem from a strained relationship between the two, highlighted by an explosive interview the defender gave in 2024. Speaking to Diario Sport, Dest accused Xavi of being dishonest during his tenure as Barcelona manager. Dest claimed that Xavi had explicitly told him he was part of the club's plans before abruptly changing his stance after the player returned from a break.
"I wouldn't say regrets, because how it ended didn't depend on me, but I don't feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi," Dest said. He further alleged that the manager restricted his playing style, noting, "I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my biggest strength, but he asked me not to go forward." Dest also recalled being told by Xavi in the summer of 2023 to ignore media speculation as he was being counted on, only to be told he had to leave the club immediately upon his return.
During Xavi’s nearly three-season stint at the helm of Barcelona, Dest struggled for consistent playing time, making only 18 appearances as his tenure was frequently interrupted by loan spells away from the club.
