Xavi relishing 'great challenge' against Klopp
Xavi described his first game in charge of Netherlands as a "great challenge" as it prepares to welcome Germany and Jurgen Klopp to the Johan Cruijff Arena on Friday.
It is a meeting of two coaches making their debuts for the respective nations, with Xavi having replaced Ronald Koeman after another early exit at this summer's World Cup.
Netherlands was eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32 on penalties by Morocco, the first time it had failed to reach the last 16 at the tournament.
Xavi had been out of management since leaving Barcelona in 2024, having won LaLiga in 2022-2023 and the Supercopa de Espana in the same season.
Xavi is the first foreign coach of the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in 1977-1978, and he is looking forward to going head-to-head with former Liverpool boss Klopp.
"We have to play our best football tomorrow because Germany are a great team," Xavi said. "I can feel this rivalry. Everyone in our team is really looking forward to the game, and it is a great way for us to start this journey.
"He [Klopp] has been one of the best coaches in the world in recent years. It will be a great challenge for the whole team and for me personally.
"It is always the goal to win, but it is even more important to leave a good impression with the execution. I want the team to show passion, ambition, desire and our philosophy."
When he was unveiled, Xavi described himself as a "winner" and he was confident that his success as a player could be translated to the Netherlands' dugout.
Xavi also believes the quality within Netherlands' ranks can deliver what he intends to achieve.
"They have the capacity to carry out what we ask of them. I have clearly seen that in the training sessions," he said.
"They are hard workers and are open to listening. I am very happy with that. And I was impressed by the physical aspect, among other things."
Netherlands also faces back-to-back away games against Serbia and Greece, and a home clash with Serbia on 4 October after it takes on Germany.
Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst, Marten de Roon, Guus Til and injured midfielder Mats Wieffer are missing from Xavi's first Netherlands squad.
Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel have been handed senior call-ups, while Jurrien Timber is also expected to feature throughout their four matches having struggled with a groin injury at the start of the campaign.
"We are now focused on tomorrow, not on the rest of the matches. We are ready," Xavi said. "We have to be a bit careful with Jurrien Timber, who was injured for a long time. But he is available, that goes for everyone."
