Klopp starts Germany job against Netherlands in Nations League
Jürgen Klopp makes his debut managing Germany against Xavi's Netherlands in Thursday's Nations League match.
Germany's new manager Klopp arrived in July. Xavi just joined the Netherlands.
Both met their squads briefly and have just days to prepare. Klopp's wit and energy appear to have returned since leaving Liverpool.
The task of rebuilding Germany energises him. Xavi is the Netherlands' first foreign manager since 1978, inheriting a squad that stumbled out of the World Cup in the last 32.
Virgil van Dijk continues as captain despite considering retirement this summer.
- July 2026
- Klopp appointment date
- First foreign manager since 1978
- Xavi's predecessor status
- Last 32
- Netherlands World Cup exit
- Virgil van Dijk
- Netherlands captain
Why it mattersBoth teams are hunting World Cup redemption, and their new coaches' opening performance will shape expectations for the next two years of qualification.
AustraliaAustralians who follow international football will watch two former club coaches take on their biggest challenge yet on the international stage.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
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