Jurgen Klopp’s Germany are putting in the effort but not getting results yet
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Germany coach Jurgen Klopp reacting during the 0-0 Nations League draw with Greece at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Oct 4.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Jurgen Klopp's Germany have shown progress since his July appointment but secured only one win in four matches, leaving fans disappointed despite improved aggression and high-tempo play.
- Klopp introduced 44 players, including 16 newcomers, to rebuild the team and restore Germany's international reputation, with several new players impressing on their debuts.
- Germany currently sit third in their Nations League group and must win upcoming matches against Serbia and the Netherlands to remain competitive for a top-two finish.
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BERLIN – When Germany coach Jurgen Klopp walked off the pitch in Thessaloniki just before midnight on Oct 4 he knew that one win in his first four international matches in charge was hardly living up to the euphoria of his appointment. But he has noted that progress had been made since their disappointing World Cup exit.
Germany fans had been hoping for an immediate impact when the hugely popular former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach took over in July following another early World Cup elimination.
Apart from a 2-0 Nations League win over Serbia last week, however, results have been disappointing – with a home defeat by Greece before the Oct 4 0-0 draw, and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Group A2.
“Overall, it was evident that many aspects of their game were not quite clicking yet,” said Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus. “It was clear that the young players thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, the points we got were not at that level. We cannot be satisfied with the points haul.”
Germany are third on five points, with the Dutch and Greece top on eight. The Germans did, however, look more aggressive than in recent years, playing at times Klopp’s trademark high-tempo attacking game.
“I am very satisfied because I know where we’ve come from,” Klopp said following the Oct 4 game, the last of the set of four internationals in this period.
“I wouldn’t have believed we could play a first half like that after just one week. The lads put in a top-notch performance; their movement and positioning were outstanding.”
Raised eyebrows
The 59-year-old had raised eyebrows and earned widespread praise when he named 44 players for the four Nations League matches, with two separate squads of 22 players for two matches each.
He called up 16 newcomers as he sets out to restore the four-time world champions’ international reputation.
“I am very impressed with the team and the way we went about it. Everyone stepped up over the past two weeks and justified their selection,” Klopp said. “When we defend collectively like that, the lads can really play football.”
Defender Philipp Treu and winger Derry Scherhant were among those newcomers who made strong debuts.
Germany, under Klopp’s predecessor Julian Nagelsmann, suffered a shock round-of-32 loss to Paraguay at the World Cup in June, their third early exit following group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. The Germans last won the World Cup in 2014.
Klopp knows that wins must start coming more frequently when they travel to Serbia on Nov 13 and host the Dutch three days later, if they are to stay in contention for a top-two finish. REUTERS