(foto: Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp and Xavi will both make their international coaching debuts when Germany faces the Netherlands in a huge Nations League clash on September 24.
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Could this be one of the most anticipated UEFA Nations League matches ever? Germany against the Netherlands already carries enormous weight, but their next meeting will have an additional attraction: Jürgen Klopp against Xavi.
Two neighbouring football nations emerged from the 2026 World Cup deeply disappointed. Both have now responded by appointing major names as their new national team coaches, creating huge excitement ahead of a new era.
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) produced the biggest surprise. Several candidates had been linked with the position following the departure of Ronald Koeman, but reports from the Netherlands suddenly revealed negotiations with Xavi.
Only a few hours later, the former Barcelona midfielder and coach was officially confirmed as the new Netherlands manager.
His first match could hardly be bigger. Xavi will make his debut on September 24 when the Netherlands face Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
On the opposite bench will be another giant of European football. Jürgen Klopp recently took charge of Germany and will also make his competitive debut with the national team against the Dutch.
That means the Nations League will immediately deliver a fascinating coaching battle between two men associated with distinctive football philosophies.
For both countries, the appointment of a new coach represents the beginning of a fresh chapter following the disappointment of the World Cup. Germany and the Netherlands failed to meet expectations at the tournament, increasing pressure on both football associations to respond.
They responded with two appointments guaranteed to attract global attention.
Xavi's arrival is particularly historic for the Netherlands. The 46-year-old becomes the country's first foreign national team coach since 1978.
There is an interesting historical connection. The last foreigner to coach the Netherlands was legendary Austrian Ernst Happel, who guided the Dutch all the way to the 1978 World Cup final.
Xavi also addressed his connection with the country's football culture during his presentation. The former Barcelona captain spent much of his career influenced by ideas closely associated with the Dutch school of football and Barcelona's own history.
"I feel a very special connection with Dutch football. You could say that I am almost the son of Dutch football," Xavi said.
Now his first examination will come against Klopp and Germany. Two famous football nations, two new coaches and two debuts will come together on September 24 in a Nations League match that already promises to be one of the most watched international fixtures of the autumn.