Xavi and Dumfries call for shorter international windows

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández and Denzel Dumfries have both criticised the extended international window ahead of Oranje’s home meeting with Serbia on Sunday. The Nations League fixture will be the national team’s fourth and final match of the current break.

Dumfries said the schedule had not caused him any physical problems, but he preferred the previous format because players now spend a long time away from their clubs. The Real Madrid defender accepted that the Netherlands must follow the existing calendar, while making clear that he favours a shorter window. Voetbal International quoted him as saying: “It is a lot.”

Xavi agreed that four fixtures were excessive. The Spanish coach suggested that three could perhaps be accommodated, although he believes two matches per window would be sufficient for both clubs and national sides. He hopes UEFA will restore the former arrangement but is unsure how much influence the KNVB or individual players can exert over that decision.

The coach added that collective pressure might help produce a change, though he expects the old format to return next year in any case. The Netherlands are competing in a 2026/27 Nations League group alongside Germany, Serbia and Greece, with Sunday’s game concluding this four-match international period.