Klopp vs Xavi Ends All Square as Germany, Netherlands Share Spoils In UEFA Nations League Match

New Delhi, Sep 25: Jürgen Klopp and Xavi Hernández began their international coaching careers with an entertaining 1-1 draw as Germany and the Netherlands shared the points in their Nations League opener on Thursday.

Both coaches took charge of their respective national teams after disappointing World Cup campaigns and used the encounter to begin reshaping their squads.

Germany took the lead in the 32nd minute through Felix Nmecha, but the goal sparked controversy after the visitors continued their attack while Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey was down injured.

The Netherlands eventually found an equaliser deep into stoppage time. Cody Gakpo produced a spectacular finish after substitute Ruben van Bommel delivered a precise cross, ensuring Xavi's side avoided defeat on his international debut.

The result also kept the unbeaten records of both new coaches intact.

Xavi was particularly pleased with the Netherlands' second-half display, highlighting the team's personality, ambition and attacking approach.

"I think the second half is the way that we must play," Xavi said after the match.

The former Barcelona midfielder had promised a more attacking style after taking over as Netherlands coach. He started with a 4-3-3 formation associated with traditional Dutch football, and his team produced 21 attempts on goal compared with Germany's 10.

Klopp, meanwhile, took a broader approach to rebuilding Germany. The former Liverpool manager selected 44 players across two squads for the four-match Nations League period, including 16 players yet to make their international debuts.

"It was two very good football teams, in the same situation," Klopp said. "Both wanted to prove that things aren't quite as bad as they're currently perceived to be. And that showed in the match."

The German coach left Liverpool in 2024 after eight-and-a-half years in charge, during which he won the Champions League and Premier League among other major trophies. The Netherlands, meanwhile, appointed Xavi on a contract running through the 2030 World Cup.

Xavi, a World Cup winner with Spain as a player and a decorated former Barcelona midfielder, said Dutch football had played an important role in shaping his career. He specifically mentioned coaches Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard as influences.

The match also brought Klopp face-to-face with two familiar figures from his Liverpool years. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk and goalscorer Gakpo both worked under Klopp at Anfield.

Van Dijk acknowledged Klopp's influence before the game, describing him as an important figure in his career.

With both teams beginning new eras, the 1-1 draw offered Klopp and Xavi an early glimpse of the rebuilding work ahead as Germany and the Netherlands look to establish new identities on the international stage.