Klopp and Xavi debut as new managers in UEFA Nations League
The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is set to commence on September 24, marking a new era in League A with eight top European national teams introducing new managers. Notable appointments include Jürgen Klopp as the head coach of the Germany national football team, Xavi Hernández for the Netherlands, Zinédine Zidane for France, and Roberto Mancini returning to Italy.
Klopp, who previously managed Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, is taking charge of a national team for the first time. His debut match will be against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Xavi, who has significant coaching experience with Al Sadd and Barcelona, will also make his competitive debut against Germany. Zidane, returning to management after leaving Real Madrid in 2021, will lead France against Türkiye on September 25.
Mancini's second spell with Italy begins with a challenging match against Belgium on the same date. Each of these new appointments reflects a shift in tactical leadership among the top teams in Europe.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Blueprint. Read the original report below.
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