Klopp mocks Xavi ahead of Nations League clash in Amsterdam

National team coach Jürgen Klopp on Thursday, ahead of the Nations League duel against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, took a jab at the Oranje coach Xavi. “I know more Dutch players personally than Xavi,” he said at 8:45 p.m. during an improvised press conference, followed by a wide grin.

Xavi, the Barcelona legend, takes over as the new coach of the Oranje after a disappointing World Cup. He succeeded Ronald Koeman, who stepped down after the tournament.

Past Tournament Disappointments

Both the Netherlands and Germany were eliminated in the penalty shoot‑out – the Netherlands against Morocco, Germany against Paraguay. These early exits shaped the preparations of both teams.

Klopp splits Germany squad as Nations League opener looms

Klopp succeeded Julian Nagelsmann as national team coach after Germany had left the tournament. The away match in Amsterdam is his first appointment as coach of the German national team.

In Xavi’s current squad there are three players whom Klopp knew from his Liverpool days: defender Virgil van Dijk, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and winger‑forward Cody Gakpo. “That’s a fact nonetheless,” he said with a wide grin.

Klopp claims to know more Dutch players than Xavi before the duel

The match will be broadcast live on RTL and can be streamed via RTL+. Klopp concluded: “We have no idea what the opponent is doing.”