Jurgen Klopp has declared that the Netherlands are already executing “Xavi-style football” under new manager Xavi Hernandez, citing a dominant 7-0 victory over Greece in Amsterdam. Speaking in Berlin ahead of Monday’s high-stakes Nations League fixture, the Germany boss highlighted how the former Barcelona legend has fundamentally transformed the Dutch approach in just five matches. Klopp described the performance against Greece as “electric,” noting that Hernandez’s immediate tactical influence has created a team that plays with a distinct, high-intensity identity.
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The praise underscores the significant impact of Xavi, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in history, who previously led possession-dominant Barcelona to four Champions League titles and won the World Cup with Spain. Klopp emphasized that Hernandez is a coach who “really pushes his approach to the limit,” creating an exciting dynamic for opponents. “I always loved playing against teams who play like this,” Klopp admitted, signaling that Germany faces a formidable tactical challenge despite their current standing.
With Germany sitting third in the group and only the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals, the stakes for Monday’s match are critical. The German side must secure a victory against the Netherlands to keep their tournament hopes alive. This encounter will serve as a direct test of Klopp’s defensive resilience against Xavi’s aggressive, possession-based system, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two footballing powerhouses.
Source: Yahoo Sports
