Klopp ignores rivalry but praises Dutch talent before derby
While Jürgen Klopp dismisses the centuries‑old rivalry between Germany and the Netherlands, he praises the enormous quality of the Dutch national team and emphasizes that the upcoming match will be a true derby. He sees it as an opportunity to let the German players prove that they must be more than just a historical opponent.
On Wednesday, during the press conference ahead of Thursday’s duel, Klopp stated that he does not let himself be guided by the rivalry that has existed between the two countries for a long time. “The rivalry between the Netherlands and Germany? That doesn’t matter to me, because I have never felt any rivalry,” he began, adding: “You can ask Rudi Völler about it, as a living witness to that history.”
Tension and expectations for the derby
Klopp indicated that he knows exactly what is at stake and predicted a heated atmosphere tomorrow evening. He described the match as difficult, because the opponent “is really good, with enormous talent and excellent players.” “It is incredible how many top players the Dutch national team has,” he added.
The clash with the Oranje will be Klopp’s first international as head coach of Die Mannschaft, underscoring the importance of a strong start. “For us it is the beginning of something; the circumstances are merely of secondary importance,” he said.
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Klopp emphasized that the players are desperate and that playing for Germany means everything to them. “When we come together in this lineup, there should be days on which we surpass ourselves,” he concluded.
Despite his dismissal of the rivalry, he remains impressed by the enormous talent of the Dutch national team. He warns that Germany must approach the match as a true derby in order to have a chance.
This combination of a nonchalant attitude towards the historic rivalry and at the same time deep respect for the Dutch quality outlines the tone Klopp wants to set. It promises to be an exciting confrontation in which both teams will display their ambition.