Xavi secures first win, Riemer sighs in relief after Denmark‑Wales
While Xavi Hernández secures his first victory with the Netherlands, former Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer breathes a sigh of relief after Denmark's win over Wales; both events mark a striking turn in the ongoing Nations League international break.
Nations League in full swing
The Nations League has been in full swing for a while now. Last weekend was matchday 7, so the JPL‑teams immediately have all hands on deck. They can now rest a bit or start preparing for the continuation of the competition.
Denmark under Riemer
Denmark took action again on Sunday in the Nations League. The team of former Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer wanted to respond after the defeat to Norway (3‑2). The opponent was Wales, and Riemer and his staff did what they had to do for their own people. It became 2‑0 in the capital Copenhagen after goals from Ben Davies (own‑goal) and Gustav Isaksen. For Riemer the pressure may ease a bit, because after the loss to Norway captain Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg had voiced criticism. For Riemer the victory means that Denmark now stands on equal footing with Norway and Portugal, who will play each other on Sunday evening.
Xavi's first win with the Netherlands
The pressure is off for Xavi Hernández as the Netherlands' head coach. After the draw against Germany (1‑1) the Spanish manager has secured his first victory with the Netherlands. The Netherlands achieved it on matchday 2 with a 1‑2 win over Serbia, with Mexx Meerdink (AZ) scoring both goals. The striker had still come on against Germany for the injured Bryan Brobbey, but did not find the net then; he did in Belgrade. After a four‑point haul, the Netherlands move to the top of Group 2. Germany will later tonight host Greece, which on 1 October becomes Xavi and his staff's next opponent.
Netherlands kick off the Nations League in Serbia under Xavi's guidance
Red Devils against Italy
The Red Devils did not face a great Italy on the opening matchday of the Nations League, but the Azzurri came out much stronger after the break. Senne Lammens had to intervene several times to keep his goal clean. Belgium held on and had the longest stretch, but the weak first half continues to linger. The Red Devils could even have extended their lead further at that point.
Mancini splits Italian squad
National team coach Roberto Mancini also draws his conclusions after the defeat to Belgium. The 61‑year‑old returned to revive the Italian national eleven, after having won the Euro 2021 with Italy. For this first international period he called up a large squad of 34 players, looking for new options and the right balance. For the second Nations League match, away against Turkey, Mancini splits his squad: ten players will not travel to Bursa, while the remaining 23 will go to Turkey. The players staying in Coverciano include Nicolò Barella, Daniel Maldini, Gianluca Mancini and Mohamed Alì Zoma.
Parma ends Cuesta
The first international break is often a moment when clubs take stock. At Parma the assessment had immediate major consequences: the Italian club says farewell to head coach Carlos Cuesta. Parma, employer of Red Devil Mandela Keita, currently sits fifteenth in Serie A. The club announced on Sunday via an official communiqué that Cuesta and the club management are parting ways by mutual agreement. “After internal discussions between the club and the coach it was determined that both parties no longer fulfilled the necessary conditions to continue their collaboration, especially regarding the development of the sporting project,” the statement read. The training on Monday 28 September will for now be led by the technical staff, pending clarity on the new technical leadership.
Belgrade evening: Xavi's creativity clashes with criticism of Van de Ven
The contrasts between Xavi’s first triumph and Riemer’s relief illustrate how the international break offers both successes and moments of rest, while clubs like Parma are re‑evaluating all their options.