Image Credits: Imago Images
Jurgen Klopp took his place in the dugout for the first time since departing Anfield in 2024, where he established himself as a club legend.
The Netherlands and Germany faced off in one of the biggest matches of the opening UEFA Nations League matchday, with Xavi Hernandez and Klopp making their official debuts.
Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by Netherlands on Thursday night. The Netherlands thought they had taken the lead in the 14th minute when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk found the net, but VAR ruled that Brian Brobbey had obstructed Marc-André ter Stegen.
Germany then took the lead after half an hour. The Netherlands appeared to stop with Brobbey injured on the ground, but Germany played on and Dortmund star Felix Nmecha made it 1-0.
Brobbey was forced off, with Mexx Meerdink making his Netherlands debut. Karim Adeyemi should have doubled Germany’s lead before the break but missed an open goal.
The Netherlands pushed for an equaliser after the restart but missed several chances. Meerdink had a goal ruled out for a foul, hit the post and then fired wide from close range.
With seven minutes remaining, Ruben van Bommel made his debut, while Guus Til was introduced in search of a goal.
Van Bommel then helped create the equaliser in the 92nd minute, delivering an outstanding outside-of-the-boot cross for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo to finish. The Netherlands nearly won it moments later, but Til headed Joey Veerman’s cross just wide.
Klopp’s debut generated enormous interest, with the national coach revealing that he received messages “every second” and admitting: “I hope I can live up to this special situation.
“Today can be the first day of our wonderful future. There are no limits to our dreams.” Klopp is likely to make changes for his home debut on Sunday against Greece in Augsburg.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.