Seven national teams begin a new era this week, with a wave of high-profile coaching appointments making their competitive debuts in the UEFA Nations League. The action starts on September 24th and runs through October 6th, offering an early look at how seven different countries plan to reshape their identity.

Jürgen Klopp: Germany

Klopp takes charge of a rebuilding Germany side still stinging from another World Cup disappointment. His first squad selection was a statement in itself: 44 players split across two matchday groups, 16 of them uncapped, as he spreads minutes and reduces the burden on established stars like Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz. Marc-André ter Stegen inherits the goalkeeper's jersey after Manuel Neuer's international retirement, while Karim Adeyemi returns after 11 months away. Expect a slower, deliberate rebuild rather than a sudden tactical overhaul, with Klopp using this window to widen his player pool before committing to a settled starting group.

Xavi Hernandez: Netherlands

Xavi's first assignment could not be tougher: hosting Klopp's Germany in Amsterdam on September 25th, followed by two games against Serbia (September 27th) and a trip to Greece (October 1st). He has been blunt about wanting more intensity and a higher press, a clear departure from Ronald Koeman's more cautious approach that ended in a World Cup last-32 exit. Virgil van Dijk stays on as captain after a one-on-one meeting with his new coach. If Xavi's ideas translate quickly, this Dutch side should look far more aggressive in and out of possession than under Koeman.

Zinedine Zidane: France

Zidane's arrival marks the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign, and his first squad signals real generational change. Five uncapped players made the cut, including Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet and Como's Lucas Da Cunha, while Aurelien Tchouameni and veteranN'Golo Kante were left out. Kylian Mbappe remains captain. Zidane has spoken openly about wanting more attacking football than the pragmatic style France leaned on under Deschamps, starting with a trip to Turkey on Friday.

Mark van Bommel: Belgium

Van Bommel largely trusts the core group that went to the World Cup, adding eight fresh faces around Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Thibaut Courtois asked to skip the entire Nations League tournament and get back for the EURO qualification matches. Simultaneously, Jeremy Doku and Amadou Onana are missing through injury, while Youri Tielemans has become a captain after Axel Witsel went to retirement. Van Bommel is building toward a high-intensity 4-3-3, and Belgium open away to Italy on Friday.

Jorge Jesus: Portugal

Jesus inherits the reigning Nations League champions and, notably, keeps faith with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo as captain, even after Portugal's round-of-16 exit to Spain at the World Cup. He has been clear that no reputation guarantees a starting spot, Ronaldo included. Four fresh faces enter the fold, such as goalkeeper Samuel Soares, who is a newcomer, but also returning players - João Palhinha, Fabio Silva and Nuno Tavares. Portugal begin their title defence at home to Wales on Thursday before facing Norway and Denmark.

Santi Denia: Czech Republic

Denia becomes the first foreign coach to lead the Czech national team, brought in after a wretched World Cup campaign that ended with a single point. He has largely stuck with continuity, keeping 15 players from that squad while adding three newcomers, including Anderlecht's Lukas Ambros. Patrik Schick's retirement leaves the Czechs thin up front. Denia's background is built on developing youth talent, including an Olympic gold medal with Spain's under-23s, suggesting a longer-term, patient rebuild rather than a quick fix. The Czechs host Croatia on Saturday before facing England and world champions Spain.

Roberto Mancini: Italy

Mancini's return carries the heaviest emotional weight of this window. He walked away from Italy for a lucrative Saudi Arabia contract in 2023, spent last season winning the Qatari title with Al Sadd, and now returns to a team that has missed three straight World Cups. He has openly acknowledged that fans have every right to feel betrayed by his exit. His first squad blends Euro 2020-winning veterans with eight potential debutants, aiming to give young players freedom while leaning on experienced heads for guidance. Italy host Belgium on Friday.

One Group, Three New Coaches

The most intriguing subplot sits inside a single group. France, Belgium, and Italy have all been drawn together, alongside Turkey, meaning Zidane, Van Bommel, and Mancini will face off against each other multiple times over the coming weeks, with France and Belgium meeting twice in the same window. Three brand-new managerial eras will collide directly, giving this particular group of the Nations League an added layer of drama on top of the individual rebuilding stories playing out across the continent.