Zidane and Klopp: New Eras, and Messi's Farewell

October marks a special time in world football as club competitions pause to make way for national teams. This is not only a moment for stars to return to their national colors but also a time to witness new eras emerging. After the 2026 World Cup, France and Germany have made significant changes: Zinedine Zidane officially takes charge of France, while Jurgen Klopp leads Germany. Both are legendary at club level, but this is their first time as national team head coaches. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, at 39, will play his final match for Argentina on October 6, closing a journey of over 20 years in the blue and white shirt. Just 20 days later, the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place, and Messi is the top contender. This October truly is a month of historic milestones. I have been a sports journalist in Marseille for many years, and I still remember my first time stepping into the Vélodrome with a heavy microphone. I mispronounced Karl Toko Ekambi's name three times, and a male colleague sneered: "What would a girl know about football?" I stayed at the stadium until 11 PM, replaying the footage, counting every pass. I once stumbled before the microphone, but I learned to stand up through my own words. Today, as Zidane embarks on a new chapter, I hear the heartbeat of football beating slowly in the silence before a revolution. After the 2026 World Cup, France appointed Zinedine Zidane, and Germany chose Jurgen Klopp. Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid (2026-2026), while Klopp brought Liverpool back to the peak with the 2026 Champions League and 2026 Premier League. This is their first time coaching a national team. This October gathering is their first chance to make an impact. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, at 39, will play his last match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin on October 6. Just 20 days later, the Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held, and Messi is the leading candidate. This is a month of historic milestones. For Zidane, his philosophy revolves around ball possession and tactical flexibility. At Real Madrid, he often changed formations mid-match to adapt to opponents. France currently has a formidable attack with Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé, and midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouameni. Zidane must solve the puzzle: how to make all the stars shine together. Based on my experience following matches, Zidane is not only tactically brilliant but also excellent at managing the dressing room. He knows how to make big players feel respected and committed. But with a national team, training time is very short, just a few days before each match. Can he convey his ideas quickly enough? Successful national team coaches often simplify their philosophy. For instance, Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2026 World Cup, prioritized defensive solidity and fast transitions. Zidane may do the same, but with a more possession-based style. In his first friendly, he might use a 4-3-3 with the attacking trio of Mbappé, Griezmann, and Dembélé, with a midfield of Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Adrien Rabiot. This would balance attack and defense. Data-wise, France averaged 58% possession at the 2026 World Cup, but Zidane could raise it to 65%. However, more possession does not guarantee victory. In the 2026 final, France lost 2-3 to Portugal despite 61% possession. Zidane must weigh possession against attacking efficiency. For Germany, Klopp brings a completely different approach: the famous "gegenpressing" with high intensity and passion. Germany, after failures at the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2026, is undergoing a deep rebuild. They have talented young players like Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz, who could fit Klopp's style. But gegenpressing demands excellent fitness and coordination, which national teams often lack in short windows. I remember when Klopp first arrived at Liverpool, he said: "I can't teach them to play in a week, but I can teach them to run." Indeed, he turned Liverpool into one of the best pressing teams in the world after a few seasons. With Germany, he must do the same with far less time. Can the German players meet the fitness demands? According to recent match data, German players run about 110 km per game, but Klopp will ask for more, possibly 120 km. This could be a challenge but also an opportunity to create a new identity. Klopp might use a 4-3-3 with Musiala and Wirtz on the wings and Havertz as a striker. The key is pressing immediately after losing the ball, and the players' willingness to sacrifice. Speaking of Messi, his final match for Argentina is not just a friendly; it is a summary of a great career. Over the years, I have followed Messi from his early days at Barcelona to his move to Inter Miami and winning the 2026 World Cup. What impresses me most is not the number of goals but how he created magical moments in decisive matches. He is a genius but also a good listener. Many believe his departure just before the Ballon d'Or is a publicity stunt, but I see it as a human truth: a legend knows when to stop. He leaves a big void but also an opportunity for new generations. In his career, Messi has scored over 800 goals and won 46 trophies with club and country. He has set records that may never be broken. More importantly, he has inspired millions, especially young players. The friendly against Benin will be an emotional moment, not only for Argentina but for all football lovers. Champions do not cry for defeat – they cry for remembering the feeling of immortality. In my years as a journalist, I have had many interviews, but one left a deep impression. I sat with a former Marseille substitute who never played a minute in an official match. He said: "I am not remembered, but I still love football." That taught me that football is not just about stars, but also about the quiet ones. When Zidane and Klopp arrive, they bring their own stories, and I hope they will listen to the players' stories, not just tactics. Interestingly, Zidane and Klopp will face each other directly when France meets Germany in a friendly in October. This is an exciting test for both philosophies. Zidane wants possession, Klopp wants pressing. In the past, Zidane's teams have struggled against high-pressing sides. At Real Madrid, he lost to Klopp's Liverpool in the 2026 Champions League final, although Real won the quarter-final later. So this clash will be a test. Also, Messi's departure leaves a big question for Argentina: who will replace him? Candidates like Lautaro Martínez or Julián Álvarez exist, but no one can fully replace him. Yet, that is the law of nature. I remember Johan Cruyff's saying: "Football is a game of mistakes." Messi made fewer mistakes, but he is human. His departure is a turning point but also a chance for the young. Fans in Marseille, where I live, told me they will miss Messi, but they are also excited about what's new. Messi's farewell is an end, but also a beginning. While everyone expects a spectacular revolution under Zidane and Klopp, I think these new eras might not succeed as expected. History shows that many club-level maestros have failed with national teams. For example, Guido Hiddink, after success at PSV and Korea, couldn't make a mark with Russia. Fabio Capello, who won many titles with Milan and Real, could only get a draw against the US at the 2026 World Cup with England. The reason is simple: national team coaches have too little time to implement philosophy, and players come from different cultures. Zidane and Klopp will face these challenges. Particularly, Messi's departure is not a tragic end but a release for Argentina, who have been too dependent on him. This could open doors for young players like Julián Álvarez or Enzo Fernández to shine. So, instead of mourning Messi's exit, we should look at a brighter future. In fact, Messi's departure could help Argentina free themselves from dependence and build a stronger collective. But it could also lead to a temporary crisis. Similarly, Zidane and Klopp are a double-edged sword. They bring attention and love, but they will face pressure from fans and media. Football is a continuous cycle. When a legend like Messi leaves, new legends emerge. Zidane and Klopp stand at the threshold of redefining international football. But success is not just winning a friendly; it is creating a lasting identity. I will closely follow their first steps, and I believe that in the silence of matches, we will hear new stories being written. The ball rolls, time answers. When the stands are empty, I hear the heartbeat of football beating slowly.