KLOPP AND XAVI DRAW 1-1 IN MANAGERIAL DEBUTS FOR GERMANY AND NETHERLANDS

Jürgen Klopp took charge of Germany for the first time, and his side drew 1-1 with the Netherlands, who were led by their new head coach, Xavi. Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the first half, finishing after Joshua Kimmich released debutant Philipp Treu, a Freiburg right-back, whose cutback fell to him. Cody Gakpo equalised for the Netherlands in stoppage time, volleying in a cross from Ruben van Bommel. Neither Klopp nor Xavi secured a win on his managerial debut. Klopp had said beforehand that his opening game could be wild, but that he would accept it if his team played with energy.

Musiala felt discomfort in his thigh during the warm-up and was replaced by Nadiem Amiri before kick-off. Kai Havertz went off after a challenge from Quinten Timber, with debutant Younes Ebnoutalib coming on in his place. Nmecha scored shortly after Brian Brobbey received treatment, in a passage of play Netherlands players felt should have stopped. Karim Adeyemi missed a chance to extend Germany's lead before the Netherlands took control of the match. Germany came under growing pressure after the interval, prompting Klopp to introduce further debutants, including Yannick Engelhardt and Serge Gnabry.

Klopp named a 44-man squad split across Germany's two fixtures in the Nations League break, with Treu the only newcomer to start, and Brentford's Kevin Schade also selected. The fitness of Musiala and Havertz may concern their clubs beyond the international break. Supporters of the Netherlands displayed a banner welcoming Xavi, while travelling Germany fans cheered when Klopp's name was read out before kick-off. Germany are next due to play the second fixture of the break, with more of Klopp's squad set to feature.