Ex-Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp embraced Xavi Hernandez before their international coaching debuts against each other as Germany faced the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League
Jurgen Klopp and Xavi Hernandez speak
Jurgen Klopp and Xavi Hernandez embraced each other before their UEFA Nations League group match
The atmosphere was always going to feel electric at Johan Cruijff Arena with UEFA Nations League action underway, but the vibes turned up even higher for rapid-onset nostalgia among Liverpool and Barcelona fans after Jurgen Klopp and Xavi met at the touchline.
Before their international chess match, which ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw, both managerial giants paused for a hug that electrified the stadium and created a feel-good moment ahead of the physical competition.
Klopp and Xavi shared a quick embrace before Germany and the Netherlands squared off in League A, Group 2 UEFA Nations League play. The match marked the first international appearance for Klopp with Germany and for Xavi with the Dutch.
Meanwhile, Klopp and Virgil van Dijk were shown in disagreement after Germany scored first.
Klopp took over Germany after Julian Nagelsmann’s exit following the nation's Round of 32 World Cup elimination to Paraguay on penalties. The Netherlands also crashed out in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup after losing on penalties to Morocco.
The friendly reunion came after Klopp already joked about his familiarity with the Dutch squad. "I actually know more of the Dutch players personally than Xavi does," he said before the game.
The former Reds manager coached several senior Dutch internationals during his time at Anfield, including captain Virgil Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.
Xavi Hernandez and Jurgen Klopp shake hands
The Netherlands and Germany drew 1-1 at Johan Cruijff Arena
Xavi coached Barcelona from 2021 to 2024 and Spain before taking charge of the Netherlands. He quickly left Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst out of his first squad, while Van Dijk kept the captain's armband.
Klopp’s first international window has already undergone several changes from the old guard. He picked 44 players, split into two groups, for Germany’s four Nations League games.
One squad faced the Netherlands and Greece, before a second group, including Florian Wirtz, will jump in to face Serbia and Greece once more during the competition.
Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring
Klopp and Xavi made their international manager debuts
Germany struck first through Felix Nmecha in the opening half, but the goal was controversial as Brian Brobbey was down injured during the play. The Sunderland striker left the match after a Premier League hat-trick performance against Manchester City last Sunday.
The Netherlands watched a Van Dijk goal get chalked off, and injuries forced both managers into early changes. Kai Havertz and Brobbey both limped off before halftime as the match turned into a bruising tactical battle.
Gakpo equalized in extra time just before the match was delayed due to an injury to German midfielder Yannik Engelhardt. Klopp and Germany will next face Greece on Sept 27.