The KNVB initially chose Michael Reiziger as the new coach, with Reiziger believing he would be the chosen one for a long time. However, the KNVB quickly switched to Xavi Hernández after feeling there was no support for Reiziger's candidacy. VoetbalPrimeur reports that Xavi Hernández contacted Nigel de Jong to ask if he was a serious candidate for the position, despite being kept in the dark about his own candidacy.
Xavi Hernández's offer to the KNVB came after the initial discussions with Arne Slot, with Nigel de Jong, Marianne van Leeuwen, and Clarence Seedorf considering Xavi as an interest option. However, the KNVB initially did nothing with Xavi's application, opting instead for Reiziger. This left Xavi in the dark, with him even contacting Nigel de Jong to ask if he was a serious candidate for the position.
The KNVB eventually switched to Xavi after feeling there was no support for Reiziger's candidacy. This decision was made quickly, with Reiziger not being informed until the last minute. VoetbalPrimeur reports that Reiziger was under the assumption that he would be the new coach of the Dutch national team for a long time.