The Netherlands’ decision to appoint Xavi Hernandez as Ronald Koeman’s successor continues to divide opinion, with Ziggo Sport analyst Youri Mulder suggesting that Peter Bosz may never have been a genuine option for the KNVB.

The Dutch federation spent more than a month and a half searching for Koeman's successor after his decision to step down. Bosz was among the names discussed publicly, while former PSV player Michael Reiziger and veteran Louis van Gaal were also linked with the position.

Instead, the KNVB surprised many by appointing former Barcelona coach Xavi on a contract running until the 2030 World Cup.

Speaking on Rondo on Ziggo Sport, as quoted by PSV Inside, Mulder admitted that he was not entirely convinced by the process that led to Xavi's appointment.

“Someone else should have been sitting there. Xavi is there now, choice number four or five, I think. He can’t do anything about that. We have to give him the chance, that’s just how it is.”

Mulder acknowledged that Xavi's football philosophy fits elements of the Dutch approach, although he questioned the Spaniard's coaching experience.

“In itself, he isn’t a fully experienced coach. In that respect, there were other options. He is a coach who fits the Dutch idea of playing football. He does have to be able to determine his own staff very much himself, otherwise it won’t work properly.”

The discussion then turned to Bosz and whether the KNVB should have approached the PSV coach before the World Cup.

Ruud Gullit asked how KNVB technical director Nigel de Jong could have handled the process differently. Mulder replied:

“Before the World Cup, he could already have known that Koeman wouldn't go through. Bosz could have been available.”

Gullit, however, pointed out that approaching Bosz while Koeman was still in the job could have created an uncomfortable situation.

“Suppose Bosz was contacted and he hangs on the bell that Nigel has been there. That’s not pleasant for Koeman. There are a lot of considerations as to why you do it or why you don’t.”

Fred Rutten argued that a confidential approach would have been possible.

“I think you can still speak to someone on the market and that it then remains a secret. I think that if Peter had been approached directly, the secret would have stayed secret.”

Khalid Boulahrouz offered a different perspective, suggesting the KNVB may deliberately have kept the Xavi negotiations under wraps.

“Maybe they arranged it themselves so that nothing got out about Xavi. I think it’s a good appointment. I think he can bring something we don’t have in the Netherlands.”

Boulahrouz also defended De Jong's work in securing Xavi, saying:

“When I see and hear what’s being said about Nigel, he deserves a big round of applause for having pulled this off.”

Mulder nevertheless remained unconvinced that Bosz was ever seriously considered.

“I have the feeling that the KNVB didn’t want Bosz.”

Boulahrouz responded with a warning against assuming too much from reports surrounding the appointment:

“I think journalists also write a lot, while they don’t know.”

Mulder also criticised the KNVB's handling of its discussions with Reiziger, claiming the former Ajax and PSV player was left waiting.

“They talked with Reiziger for a very long time, and that's not proper. They left him hanging.”

Gullit suggested the federation may have been assessing the level of support for Reiziger before making its final decision.

Despite the criticism, both Gullit and Boulahrouz remain positive about the beginning of the Xavi era.

“I think it's a good match,” Boulahrouz said.

Gullit agreed, adding: “I'm also positive.”