UEFA Nations League: Klopp, Zidane, Xavi, Mancini and four other new coaches to watch

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League will feature a familiar mix of star players and major international rivalries, as well as several high-profile new faces in the dugout.

Among the coaches beginning new chapters are former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp with Germany, Barcelona and Spain great Xavi Hernández with the Netherlands, France legend Zinédine Zidane and Roberto Mancini, who returns for a second spell in charge of Italy.

Portugal, Belgium, Croatia and Czechia will also begin their League A campaigns with new coaches.

The Nations League comes during a 16-day break in European domestic football, with national teams temporarily taking centre stage before club action resumes.

UEFA has profiled all eight summer appointments ahead of the opening matchday, which begins on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Jürgen Klopp — Germany

Klopp arrives in international football after more than two decades in club management, making his first venture into coaching a national team.

The German’s most recent job was at Liverpool, where he spent nine years before leaving in 2024.

His time at Anfield produced the UEFA Champions League title in the 2018/19 season and the Premier League title the following campaign.

Before Liverpool, Klopp enjoyed a successful spell at Borussia Dortmund, winning two German league titles and leading the club to the 2013 Champions League final.

He also guided Mainz to their first promotion to the Bundesliga in 2004.

Klopp described the Germany job as “the pinnacle, the absolute high point of my footballing career as a coach”, adding: “I will give everything I have got.”

His first Nations League assignment is a major one.

First match: Netherlands vs Germany — September 24

Xavi Hernández — Netherlands

While Klopp is entering international management for the first time, Xavi brings a remarkable playing pedigree to his new role with the Netherlands.

The former Barcelona midfielder won eight league titles and four Champions League titles during 17 first-team seasons at the club.

With Spain, he won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, with the 2010 World Cup triumph in between.

Xavi moved into coaching in 2019, leading Al-Sadd to the Qatari league title before returning to Barcelona in November 2021.

He guided Barcelona to the 2022/23 La Liga title before leaving the club in May 2024.

His appointment in the Netherlands also has a cultural connection. Xavi developed at Barcelona’s academy and said the influence of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels gave him “a special connection to Dutch football”.

His first assignment is against Klopp’s Germany.

First match: Netherlands vs Germany — September 24

Jorge Jesus — Portugal

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, begin their title defence with Jorge Jesus at the helm.

The 72-year-old former midfielder built his reputation in Portugal, most notably winning three league titles with Benfica.

His success has also extended beyond Europe.

Jesus won the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019 before claiming another league title in Saudi Arabia last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo was part of the Al Nassr squad that won that title, with Jesus describing the Portugal captain as a “symbol of Portuguese football”.

The veteran coach has already made his expectations clear.

“I want my players to understand that if they want to win, they have to pay the price. We all have to pay the price,” Jesus said.

He will begin against Wales.

First match: Portugal vs Wales — September 24

Zinédine Zidane — France

Few coaches in the Nations League will arrive with Zidane’s combination of playing and coaching pedigree.

The France legend scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final as France lifted the trophy and was also part of the team that won EURO 2000.

As a coach, Zidane made history at Real Madrid by leading the Spanish giants to three consecutive Champions League titles after taking charge in 2016.

He left Madrid in 2018 before returning for a second spell between 2019 and 2021, during which he won another Spanish league title.

Zidane has been away from club management since leaving Real Madrid, but he rejected several club offers while waiting for the France job.

“I had several offers from clubs in the last four to five years, but I turned them all down for France,” he said.

His first competitive test will be against Türkiye.

First match: Türkiye vs France — September 25

Roberto Mancini — Italy

Mancini is not new to international management or the Nations League.

The Italian returns for a second spell in charge of the Azzurri after previously managing the team from 2018 to 2023.

His biggest achievement came when he led Italy to glory at EURO