Klopp Slumps to Historic Greece Loss as Zidane Enjoys Perfect France Start in Nations League
The Nations League has brought vastly contrasting fortunes for European football’s newly appointed elite managers, with Jürgen Klopp enduring a nightmare start with Germany while Zinedine Zidane enjoys a flawless opening chapter in charge of France.
Klopp, who stepped onto the international stage aiming to overhaul the German national team by naming an expansive 44-man squad to open doors for new talent, has been met with immediate turbulence. After opening his reign with a draw against Xavi Hernández’s Netherlands, Germany slumped to a historic first-ever defeat against Greece, leaving them third in their group and already under pressure ahead of a crunch clash with Serbia.
“The lineup, the formation, the many changes – that is all 100% down to me,” Klopp admitted after the defeat. “Football, that’s how it is. I don’t think we deserved that, but here we are.”
Xavi and Mancini Claim First Victories
Elsewhere in Germany's group, Xavi secured his first victory as Netherlands head coach with a 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade. The Dutch relied on late call-up Mexx Meerdink, with the AZ Alkmaar striker bagging a decisive brace to set up an upcoming showdown with group leaders Greece.
In Italy, Roberto Mancini logged his first win since returning to the Azzurri dugout following an opening loss to Belgium. Italy defeated Turkey, propelled by 22-year-old Brentford wing-back Michael Kayode, who marked his historic debut as the first Brentford player to represent Italy by scoring a goal. Mancini praised the youngster, noting he “will improve even more after another year in the Premier League.”
Zidane Soars with Perfect Record
In contrast to his peers, Zidane has enjoyed an unblemished beginning with France. Back-to-back 1-0 victories over Turkey and Belgium have placed Les Bleus in command, sealed most recently by a spectacular late solo effort from Michael Olise against the Belgians.
Zidane celebrated Olise's winner in animated fashion on the touchline, sprinting and volleying a spare ball off a cone. “I saw the ball,” Zidane joked. “I was forced to shoot it, be a bit ridiculous but it doesn’t matter.”
France now prepare to host Mancini’s Italy in Paris, with momentum firmly on the side of the 1998 World Cup winner.