# Klopp and Xavi begin their international revival projects

> Two heavyweight managers take charge of Germany and the Netherlands with contrasting approaches to rebuilding after World Cup disappointments.
- Title: Klopp and Xavi begin their international revival projects
- Summary: Two heavyweight managers take charge of Germany and the Netherlands with contrasting approaches to rebuilding after World Cup disappointments. Klopp's…
- Keywords: jürgen klopp, xavi hernández, germany, netherlands, nations league, world cup recovery, international football, squad selection, football management, sports, Klopp, Xavi
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/23/special-klopp-and-xavi-take-first-steps-on-international-stage-with-revival-in-mind
- Published: 2026-09-23T17:50:43+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: jürgen klopp, xavi hernández, germany, netherlands, nations league, world cup recovery, international football, squad selection, football management, sports
## Klopp takes Germany's helm with energy
Jürgen Klopp arrived as Germany head coach in July, visibly reinvigorated after his Liverpool departure. He faces the Netherlands on Thursday in his first Nations League test.
## Xavi becomes Netherlands' first foreign boss since 1978
Xavi Hernández took over the Dutch national team after Ronald Koeman's departure, becoming their first foreign manager since Ernst Happel in 1978. The Dutch federation had initially pursued Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot.
## Klopp names 44 players for four matches
Klopp selected an unusually large squad of 44 players for Germany's Nations League games against the Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece (home and away). He'll split them into two groups, with only goalkeeper Finn Dahmen appearing in all four matches.

> I want to get to know as many players as possible. There is no A or B team.
## Klopp casts a wide net for talent
Klopp's squad includes 16 uncapped players and unexpected selections like Mika Baur from Celtic and Bambasé Conté from Hoffenheim. Four Freiburg players and Felix Keidel from promoted Elversberg also made the cut.
## Xavi inherits a squad with injury concerns
Xavi faces limited options with key players sidelined. Frenkie de Jong and Donyell Malen are recovering from injury, while Virgil van Dijk considered retirement after the World Cup but will continue as captain.
## Xavi recalls Veerman after two-year absence
Xavi recalled Borussia Dortmund's Joey Veerman, who hasn't played international football for over two years. The move signals Xavi's need for a technically skilled midfield anchor in a limited player pool.
## Xavi avoids dwelling on World Cup failure
Xavi has refused to analyze the Netherlands' disappointing World Cup exit in the last 32, saying 'I don't talk about the past.' He prefers to focus on building a revolution with minimal public commentary.

> I don't talk about the past
## Klopp champions positive patriotism
Klopp recently advocated for 'positive patriotism' following the Alternative für Deutschland party's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. He hopes Germany's football team can help unite the nation during uncertain times.
## Two contrasting philosophies take shape
Klopp's expansive, experimental approach contrasts sharply with Xavi's measured, patient strategy. Both managers are tasked with reviving their nations after disappointing World Cup campaigns.

> It could be a bit wild, but I accept that, it just has to be lively
## Key takeaway

Klopp's expansive squad rotation and Xavi's measured approach reflect different philosophies for reviving their nations' football fortunes.