The Netherlands takes on Germany in a major international clash, with storylines throughout this fixture such as Klopp's coaching return, Cody Gakpo's form, and so much more. Here is everything you need to know ahead of this exciting game.
What Do You Think The Result Will Be?
The Nations League - Netherlands v Germany
A fixture that already makes headlines has even more eyes on it this time as two giant European nations go head-to-head in their opening Nations League clashes of the campaign.
Both sides will have high aspirations for this tournament, with many eyes being on Liverpool's star players who are all likely to feature in this game, including Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Reuters/Paul ChildsBut Florian Wirtz will not feature due to the new German manager Jurgen Klopp naming two separate squads, with Liverpool's number seven set to feature in the second half of the international break.
Germany 1-0 Netherlands (14th October 2024)
The last time these two nations played each other was during the last Nations League tournament back in 2024, where Germany won in a narrow 1-0 victory in Munich.
It was a game that saw Virgil Van Dijk miss out, Florian Wirtz be subbed at half time, and Jeremie Frimpong come off the bench.
But now that both sides are under new management, how different will the teams look, and what will differ, if anything, in the result?
Changes In The Dugouts
Both the Netherlands and Germany had disappointing World Cup campaigns, with the Dutch being knocked out in the round of 32 by Morocco on penalties. Germany also exited the tournament at this stage, losing to Paraguay on penalties in what was one of the biggest upsets of the entire competition.
Reuters/John E Sokolowski Since then, both nations have opted to change managers, with both Ronald Koeman and Julian Nagelsmann being relieved of their duties, and high-profile coaches Xavi and Jurgen Klopp coming in for the Dutch and Germans, respectively.
This will be their first game in charge, and both will be looking to get off to a winning start and put a statement out to the rest of the world that they are a team to be feared ahead of Euro 2028, a tournament particularly important for Germany, given they are the host nation.
How Has Jurgen Klopp Changed The German National Team Already?
When Jurgen Klopp was announced as German manager, this was seen as a massive move by the German Football Federation.
By appointing someone like Klopp, they would need to give him full freedom to do what he needed and wanted in order for this partnership to work, which, historically, FA's don't like to do.
But due to the prestige that surrounds the German coach, exceptions were made, and the former Reds boss has been given complete control, and the changes he has implemented are radical.
REUTERS/Heiko BeckerAccording to BILD, Klopp has reportedly made the following adjustments to how the national team will run:
- Players must arrive together and on time for scheduled team dinners
- No phones are allowed before matches, with Klopp demanding complete focus and concentration on the task at hand, as well as emphasising the need for communication within the squad
- Haircuts are banned from taking place at the team hotel, with players expected to take care of these kinds of things before arriving on international duty
- Family visits will be heavily restricted during major tournaments, unlike the relaxed approach under Julian Nagelsmann.
This is Klopp putting his mark on this team from day one, before a ball has even been kicked, setting the high standards that he was known for at Liverpool.
It's clear that he wants complete focus on the footballing side of things with minimal outside influence, and for players to take the responsibility of representing their nation seriously.
How and Where to Watch?
This match will take place on Thursday at 7:45 pm, but you can not watch this game live in the UK.
In Germany, you can watch the match live on RTL.
In the US, you can watch the match live on fuboTV.
In India, you can watch the match live on Sony LIV.
In Australia, you can watch the match live on beIN Sports.
