Klopp returns, but this time for Germany until 2030

The German Football Association made the move all of Europe was talking about: Jürgen Klopp is the national team's new coach. The contract is four years, until the 2030 World Cup, and Klopp takes the bench from 15 August, after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following the exit at the World Cup against Paraguay. The fifty-nine-year-old coach returns to the big stage after eighteen months spent in the football structure of „Red Bull”, and with him come his old assistants Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders. „Little unites us Germans like the national team”, Klopp said. Germany went out early at the World Cup, so now it is looking for a saviour. The question is whether even the best motivator in football can fix a team that has already twice in a row gone out ahead of time.

Vardar open the season as champions, Bregalnica return to the elite

At home, the new PMFL championship kicks off, and Vardar greet the first round with a clear message - championship ambitions in the new season too. In the afternoon they host Bregalnica, the Štip side that returned to the elite competition after two seasons in the Second League. The Štip camp make no secret of it: „Vardar are the favourites, but I believe in our quality”, said new signing Filip Aleksovski, who hopes for goals for the fans. The match is set for 17:00. The draw threw Štip straight to the champions - a hard start for a side that has only just returned among the best. Will they hold on, or will Vardar remind them why they carry the favourite's label?

Shabani celebrates 200 matches, Shkëndija Aračinovo debut in the elite

In Struga, the experienced captain Bujamin Shabani marks his milestone 200th appearance in the shirt of Struga Trim Lum, and that against the debutants Shkëndija of Aračinovo. Shabani underrates no one: „Even though Shkëndija are debuting in the First League, the team was very active in the transfer market. This is a side that deserves respect.” Earlier in the first round, Tikveš had already beaten Arsimi 5:1 in Kavadarci. A debutant that came in pumped up with new names against a host celebrating a jubilee - it is exactly such duels that make the start of the season interesting, when no one yet knows who is worth what.

Barcelona with a big headache: De Jong out with a knee injury

From Catalonia came the news Hansi Flick did not want before the start of the season. Barcelona confirmed that Frenkie de Jong has torn the medial ligament of his right knee and will be out for a few weeks. Good news for the fans - surgery will not be needed. The Dutchman had been struggling with discomfort as far back as the World Cup, where he was spotted with a protective strap on the knee. Last season was key for Barça with 38 appearances and eight assists. Even without one of their most experienced midfielders, the Catalans do not plan to change their plans for the transfer window - they believe they have enough depth in the middle. Confident, or risky? September will give the answer.

United missed out on Summerville, now looking towards Bologna

On the transfer market, Manchester United turned their gaze towards Jonathan Rowe of Bologna, after missing out on the race for Crysencio Summerville. The fuss around Rashford's future allowed Al-Hilal to agree a 60-million-pound deal with West Ham for the Dutchman. The twenty-three-year-old Rowe scored eight goals and five assists for Bologna last season, after struggling at Marseille with just three goals in 31 matches. United have already brought in four players this summer, but are still looking for a third midfielder and a new left-back. A club that for years buys a lot and plays little - will it be different this time?