Germany coach Jurgen Klopp praised Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez on Sunday, saying the Spaniard had already impressed by shaping the Dutch side’s style after just five matches in charge. Klopp pointed to the Netherlands’ 7-0 win over Greece in Amsterdam on Friday as evidence of the impact Xavi has had on the team.
“They simply played some electric football,” Klopp said during a press conference in Berlin ahead of Monday’s Germany-Netherlands clash. “Xavi wants to play Xavi-style football. He’s a coach who really pushes his approach to the limit. And that’s exciting. I always loved playing against teams who play like this.”
Xavi, appointed in August, brought with him a playing philosophy shaped by his years as a midfielder at Barcelona, where he was part of a possession-heavy side that won four Champions League titles. He also lifted the World Cup with Spain. His coaching style reflects that background, focusing on control and fluid passing.
The Netherlands remain unbeaten under Xavi, currently sitting third in their group. Only the top two advance to the quarter-finals, so Germany must win Monday’s match to keep their hopes alive. Klopp acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry between the two teams and said it was an honour to face the Dutch.
“They’re a team who really come alive in European football,” Klopp said. “It’s one of the fiercest rivalries in football. It’s a great honour for me.”
Xavi responded to Klopp’s praise by deflecting credit onto his players, insisting the style of play is down to their ability rather than his influence alone. “It’s not Xavi-football. It’s all about the players. They are the most important. I don’t need to convince them to play this style of football, they have the capacity to play like the last game,” he said.
The two coaches first met in September when Germany and the Netherlands played out a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam, a match that marked their respective debuts in charge. Xavi said he is beginning to understand the depth of the rivalry since taking over the Dutch team.
“Now I can understand more because I’m here and I feel this kind of rivalry. It will be a really good test for us,” Xavi said.
Looking ahead to Monday’s game, Xavi admitted it would be challenging to surprise Klopp, describing the German as “one of the best coaches in the past few years.” He added, “It’s an honour to come up against him tomorrow.”
The match in Berlin promises a tactical battle between two contrasting styles, with Germany needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive and the Netherlands aiming to maintain their unbeaten run under their new coach.
According to Yahoo Sports.
