Klopp and Xavi make national team debuts as Netherlands host Germany

Jürgen Klopp and Xavi will both take charge of a national team for the first time when the Netherlands host Germany in the Nations League on Thursday. Kick-off at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam is at 21:45 Moscow time.

Klopp made light of the fixture. "I personally know more Dutch players than Xavi does. I don't know if that is an advantage, but it is a fact," he said, according to Bayern & Germany.

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk played under Klopp for years at Liverpool. "I am really looking forward to meeting Jürgen Klopp tomorrow! This man was very important in my career. But I hope we make him suffer defeat in his first match in charge of Germany," he said, as quoted by The Touchline.

Xavi spoke of the opposition in respectful terms. "We must show our best game, because Germany are an excellent team. I feel this competitive spirit. Everyone in our team is looking forward to the upcoming Nations League match. For us it is a great start. Klopp has established himself in recent years as one of the best coaches in the world. This match against the Germans will be a serious test for us and for me personally," he said, according to UEFA's official website.

The Netherlands lead the standings on 7 points from 3 matches, with Cody Gakpo top scorer on 5 goals and Brian Brobbey next on 3.

If the Dutch win, they would open a gap over Germany on Klopp's debut. A draw would leave the table as it stands.