Four games, three goals, two draws, one loss and one win. Jürgen Klopp would have hoped for better results from his first international break as Germany coach. But though the comfortable win over Serbia (2-0), draws against the Netherlands (1-1) and Greece (0-0) and a shock loss to Greece (0-1) in Germany leave them third out of four in their Nations League group, Klopp saw mostly positives.
“Everyone showed what they’re made of; everyone earned their place. We’ve shown signs that we can do some things better than people gave us credit for. I wanted to get something going, and I definitely saw that happen,” he said after Sunday’s 0-0 draw in Thessaloniki.
For all the positivity of the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach, the four matches have, in reality, been a mixed bag for Germany.
It’s a long road back to the top
Having fallen in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup and exited in the group stage in 2022, Germany’s footballing stock has never been lower.
Klopp tried to address this by casting his net wider, announcing a 44-man squad that split over the matches. He then said this would be a one off, but that his strategy of trying to find a diamond in the relative rough who could adapt to the international game had given him valuable insights.
“Hard work, lots of information — these guys are brimming with talent,” he said of those given a surprise opportunity.
“People were saying that German soccer was at rock bottom and that there was no talent. … They’re not lacking in talent.”
While Klopp may have seen potential, and has credit in the bank from his past work, he will need to turn that into results before too long.
Klopp leans on emotion and unity
While much has been said about Klopp’s success in imprinting his trademark Gegenpressing (counter press) style early on, he is also a coach who places a high value on connection. Throughout the international break, he has worn a cap emblazoned with the slogan “Einer von 83 millionen” (One of 83 million) in a reference to the German population and an attempt to unify in a country divided by the rise of the far-right AfD party.
He addressed the issue in his opening press conference and then reiterated his position after some social media users branded the team “not white enough” after their loss to Greece.
“There is no reason to give these people any thought. They aren’t getting any of my attention. I have little time for stupidity in real life and none on social media either,” Klopp said in answer to a question posed by DW.
As well as speaking honestly about his country, Klopp has been open with his new players.
“He has a very good rapport with every player. He tries to reach out to every player and make them feel good, that they’re important and that they deserve to be here,” said Florian Wirtz, who went on to label his coach as a “master” at managing relationships.
With limited time together, forming bonds between player, coach and country can elevate a national team. It may prove to be more important than any tactical plans.
Havertz injury highlights lack of striking depth
One of the key men in the more senior squad that started the opener against the Netherlands, Kai Havertz limped off after 29 minutes. He was replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Younes Ebnoutalib while Nick Woltemade (on loan at Juventus from Newcastle) and Jonathan Burkhardt, also Frankfurt, were also tested up front over the four games.
None of the replacements scored, with Woltemade guilty of a particularly bad miss against Serbia and Burkhardt having a goal disallowed against Greece on Sunday. While all have potential and have enjoyed strong patches of form in their careers, none is tried and tested at the top level, and none is playing in the Champions League. With Havertz being somewhat injury prone, Klopp needs someone to emerge as a viable backup.
Musiala and Wirtz key but both have question marks
Injury is also, sadly, beginning to be a major feature of Jamal Musiala’s career. He picked up a thigh injury in the warmup to the Netherlands game that may keep him out for a month. He’s also missed games this season due to a neurological condition and missed the first half of last season with a broken leg which came soon after another lengthy spell out. At his best, he is probably Germany’s brightest attacking spark, but it’s been a while since that level has been seen.
For Wirtz, the issue is slightly different. He was excellent in the win over a limited Serbia team, scoring one and creating the other. It was a reminder of a talent that has been largely dormant at Liverpool where he’s shown his creative best only in glimpses. He followed it up with a decent display against Greece but saw Burkahrdt inadvertently block his goalbound header. There were signs Klopp’s system may suit him.
“He’s really gotten us on board with his philosophy,” said Wirtz of his coach. “I enjoy it myself, too. I get to show my strengths when we have possession.”
Klopp will need more of the same from Wirtz, who captained the side in Greece, if Germany are to move forward.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
