Sergiño Dest Comments on Xavi's Appointment as Netherlands Coach

Sergiño Dest sidestepped the growing noise around Xavi Hernandez’s shock appointment as Netherlands head coach – and pointed the spotlight firmly at someone else.

Ask Frenkie de Jong.

That was the PSV full-back’s message when pressed on Xavi taking over the Oranje, despite his own shared history with the former Barcelona boss.

Speaking to ESPN, Dest was invited to reflect on Xavi’s qualities and what he might bring to the Dutch national team. Instead of delivering a glowing tribute or a detailed tactical breakdown, he kept it brief and almost disarming.

“I think you should ask Frenkie de Jong,” Dest said with a smile. “Ask Frenkie, he knows more.”

The interviewer tried again, this time digging into Dest’s memories of being around Xavi at Barcelona, where the American defender arrived with high expectations and found himself in the same dressing room as the club legend.

Dest didn’t bite.

“It’s been quite a while since then. To be honest, I don’t have many memories of that time.”

For someone who shared a period of major transition at Camp Nou, the restraint was striking. No anecdotes. No insight into Xavi the coach or Xavi the leader. Just a gentle nudge towards De Jong, the midfielder who became one of Xavi’s most trusted players in Barcelona’s rebuild.

It makes sense. De Jong worked closely under Xavi for an extended spell, evolving in a central role as the team tried to re-establish its identity. Dest, by contrast, never truly settled. His time in Catalonia promised more than it delivered, and a loan move to AC Milan did little to change the narrative.

Rebuilding at PSV

The turning point came in Eindhoven.

After leaving Barcelona, Dest rebuilt his reputation at PSV. In the Netherlands he finally found rhythm and responsibility, rediscovering the attacking verve that had once marked him out as one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs. He grew into a key figure for the Eredivisie side, only for a serious injury to halt his momentum.

The setback did not define him. Once fit again, Dest forced his way back into the PSV side and re-established himself as an important piece of the team. His form has drawn fresh interest in the transfer market and revived a career that had stalled in Spain and Italy.

So when the questions came about Xavi and the national team, Dest chose distance over detail. The story of Xavi and the Netherlands will be told by others.

If he has his way, Dest’s own story will be written on the pitch.