Leagues ·
Nations League Roundup: Gakpo Denies Klopp Victory on Debut, Gordon Backs Tuchel, and Rodri Speaks on Real Madrid Pursuit
Cody Gakpo scored a late equaliser in Jürgen Klopp's Germany debut against the Netherlands, while Anthony Gordon backed Thomas Tuchel's tactical claims and Rodri revealed why he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid.
In an exciting UEFA Nations League Group A2 encounter at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Cody Gakpo's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser earned the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Germany, spoiling Jürgen Klopp's managerial debut with the German national team. Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead in the 32nd minute, but Liverpool forward Gakpo struck a volley in the 92nd minute (90+2') to ensure a point for Xavi Hernández in his own debut as head coach of the Dutch national team. Speaking to German broadcaster RTL after the match, Klopp reflected on his first official game: "It felt mostly good. That was really exhausting for both teams today." The former Liverpool boss added that while he wanted a win, "I can live with the point, too" and noted "we can play better football and create more chances — that's for sure."
Meanwhile, ahead of England's upcoming Nations League fixture against Spain, Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon addressed the media in a press conference at St George's Park, backing manager Thomas Tuchel's recent comments regarding English football's identity. Gordon supported Tuchel's claim that controlling matches with possession is not in English football's "DNA." Addressing reporters, Gordon said: "England, as a nation, we don't have that strength, like the Spanish, where we control games like they do. It's not in us." Drawing on his experience in La Liga, Gordon added: "Playing in Spain, I can speak with an educated view on the way they keep the ball is different. It's much different than I've ever experienced playing in this country. I'm not sure we can ever get that but we can definitely get better, or maybe go the other way and really play to our strengths, which is play physical, play direct football, and on the counter-attack."
In other major developments, Barcelona midfielder Rodri addressed Real Madrid's summer transfer pursuit during an interview on COPE's El Partidazo. The former Manchester City star confirmed that Real Madrid made a serious push for his signature prior to his £65.4 million move to Camp Nou. Rodri clarified Los Blancos' approach, stating: "Madrid showed an interest right from the start. They behaved impeccably, and their offers were aimed at securing the player - I want to make that clear." Explaining why he chose Barcelona over Real Madrid, the Spanish international added: "I decided to join Barça and not Real Madrid for sporting reasons; here, I can progress much more."
Sources: https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHqOTe9f9y3pJwduxBpDcnzXkWP6eVoJBL7H0PFFguRJ6G6dadk5BkpdyBkinHlLMKl1Oa_1P-FtukE0c2-hImVmB7bsDluGth-dv5a_EGa-DvjOoMucrfu63coNjMJSOd-K-d4clNM_SJWsnITcpb4HGaMeBtpFQ0DntasYlZJJB-ZwUus · https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFCQmGvybAefQldl7e6n3hr1Dpm4v2oqc4RiPk7GS0EtZ0CW207y8mlBSp9Z_NsJCSMcp4nSQOAb7NqoN4zc4APszxf-GAz2UotebGqScogydYlUa7tLRV88Shh0UkW4-x4H7x-V3jvlqzH7NKlA8u7hGd24S6gYlO7og0Z7Pe-SX05iN36ygT36jixMf8ajSVDlkb5L5vP
دوري الأمم الأوروبية · كلوب · رودري · برشلونة · Nations League
Competition: UEFA Nations League