Klopp Prepares Germany for Nations League Test Against Xavi’s Netherlands

Jürgen Klopp has begun his Germany tenure with a rapid build-up to Thursday’s Nations League meeting with the Netherlands, using a packed schedule of meetings and training sessions to prepare a squad he has only just taken charge of.

Germany face a new-look Netherlands

The 59-year-old will meet a Dutch side now led by Xavi, with both coaches having started their jobs at the same time. Klopp said the short preparation period has created an unusual contest, as the managers first met their respective squads on Monday before facing one another on Thursday.

Klopp described the Netherlands as a strong and dependable opponent, while admitting there is uncertainty over the approach Xavi will choose. He joked that his previous relationships with more Dutch players than Xavi may offer him a little more knowledge of the opposition, although he was not certain that would translate into an advantage.

• Germany and the Netherlands both appointed new coaches before the match.
• The squads assembled on Monday ahead of Thursday’s Nations League fixture.
• Klopp said Germany are still waiting to see how the Netherlands will be organised under Xavi.
• He insisted his own team intend to play high-level football and introduce some unexpected elements.

Klopp keeps plans under wraps

Germany have not been given much time to work through a full tactical programme, and Klopp made clear that he will not publicly outline his detailed plans before the final whistle. He said the team’s ambition to play well is obvious, but that some of the intended ideas are best discussed after the game.

The former Liverpool manager said the lack of certainty about the Netherlands has not altered Germany’s focus. Rather than worrying about circumstances beyond his control, he said the priority is to ensure his own players understand what is required of them.

Meetings fill the first camp

Klopp has increased communication during his opening international camp, explaining that a new coach must speak more often at the beginning of the process. The squad held an evening meeting on Monday, another the following evening and a further briefing before their final training session, after which they were due to fly.

He said the work so far had gone smoothly, with the sessions designed to help players absorb his methods in a compressed window before the Nations League test.

Return to the training pitch

The match also represents a personal landmark for Klopp, who had been away from daily coaching following his departure from Anfield. He said he had not stood on the training ground for two years and three months, but does not believe the absence has diminished his instincts.

Klopp acknowledged that he could not be completely sure whether any part of his routine had become rusty. However, he compared the return to coaching with riding a bicycle, maintaining that the essential habits and knowledge remain in place as Germany begin a new chapter against the Netherlands.