Former Barcelona defender gives blunt response to Xavi’s Netherlands appointment: ‘Ask Frenkie de Jong’

Former Barcelona defender gives blunt response to Xavi’s Netherlands appointment: ‘Ask Frenkie de Jong’

Xavi Hernandez’s appointment as the new Netherlands national team manager has become one of the biggest football stories of the week, with reactions continuing to arrive from across the game.

The latest to share his thoughts was Sergino Dest, who knows the former Barcelona manager from his time at the Catalan club.

However, the PSV full-back was not particularly interested in offering a detailed assessment of Xavi’s arrival as the new Oranje boss.

Speaking to ESPN, Dest instead pointed towards one Barcelona player who, in his view, would be better placed to discuss Xavi’s qualities and what he could bring to the Netherlands setup.

Dest tells reporters to ask Frenkie de Jong about Xavi

Dest played under and alongside Xavi during his spell at Barcelona, although his time at the club did not develop as many had expected when he first arrived.

When asked about Xavi becoming Netherlands manager, the PSV defender gave a short response and suggested that Frenkie de Jong would have a better answer.

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

The interviewer continued to press Dest about his memories of playing alongside Xavi at Barcelona.

But once again, the former Barcelona defender did not have much to add.

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

Dest’s comments were notably reserved, especially given that he shared the dressing room with Xavi at Barcelona and was part of the squad during an important period in the club’s recent history.

His decision to point towards Frenkie is understandable, though, as De Jong has had a much closer relationship with Xavi, having worked extensively under him at Barcelona.

From Barcelona struggles to becoming a key man at PSV

Sergino Dest has revived his career at PSG. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Dest arrived at Barcelona with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young full-backs.

However, he struggled to establish himself as a regular in the Blaugrana side.

A loan spell at AC Milan also failed to provide the breakthrough he was looking for, but his move to PSV helped revive his career.

Dest rediscovered his best form in Eindhoven and became an important player for the Dutch club before a serious injury interrupted his progress.

Since recovering, he has returned to being a key figure for PSV, and his performances have attracted fresh attention in the transfer market.