Klopp and Xavi Hernández debut in Germany v Netherlands

Jürgen Klopp has used the build-up to Germany's Nations League visit to the Netherlands on Thursday to point out that he and Xavi Hernández, his opposite number, start from the same place. Both coaches met their squads on Monday, and both are debuting in the job.

"The good thing is that we both have the exact same situation."

Klopp noted Xavi knows the squad only from television, and that he knows more of the Dutch players personally than Xavi does. "Whether that's an advantage, I don't know," he said, "but it's still a fact." The Guardian reports that Klopp has been in sharp form in public since taking the Germany job in July.

Xavi signed a contract to 2030 and takes over from Ronald Koeman. He is the Netherlands' first foreign manager since Ernst Happel, whose 10-month spell ended in 1978. According to the Guardian, his employers made no secret that Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot had been higher on their list.

At his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Xavi offered condolences to Koeman on the death of his wife, Bartina, at 65. Her funeral was held the same day. He described his model as built on possession, position, pressing, perception and passion, and said he believes the squad has "a lot of potential". Of Klopp, he said he is "one of the best coaches of the last 15 or 20 years", and called the opener "a big challenge".

Speaking to RTVE, Xavi said he hopes the Netherlands can meet Spain in the final stage, "because that would mean both are qualified".

The Netherlands lead their World Cup table with 7 points from 3 matches, with Cody Gakpo top scorer on 5 goals.