Matthaus backs Klopp to revive Germany after Schweinsteiger criticism

Lothar Matthaus has rejected Bastian Schweinsteiger’s assessment of Germany, insisting the national team has enough quality to succeed under new manager Jurgen Klopp.

Germany began Klopp’s reign with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before losing 1-0 to Greece in the group stage of the Nations League. The results have renewed debate over the strength of the squad, with Schweinsteiger describing the team as no longer being among Europe’s elite.

Matthaus, however, believes Germany’s principal weakness is its mentality rather than the ability of its players.

“Our national team is not average,” Matthaus told Bild. “We have enough players capable of changing the course of a match who prove week after week at major clubs such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal that they possess outstanding quality.”

Schweinsteiger had been strongly critical of the side following the defeat by Greece. Speaking on ARD, where he now works as an analyst, the 2014 World Cup winner said: “We are no longer an elite team. We have reached a modest level. We no longer have the players who make the difference.”

Matthaus, who won the 1990 World Cup, disagrees with that conclusion and believes Germany must recover the resilience that once defined the team.

“The national team players do not have a problem with quality, but with mentality,” he said. “Germany needs to regain the resilience and winning mentality that used to frighten everyone in the past.”

He also placed his faith in Klopp to restore that character.

“If there is someone who can instil this spirit in the team, it is him,” Matthaus said.

Matthaus points to Germany’s attacking options

The former Germany captain cited several current internationals as evidence that the squad remains capable of competing at the highest level.

“Kai Havertz does not play as a striker for Arsenal, champions of the English top flight and runners-up in the Champions League, by accident,” he said. “Karim Adeyemi is at the peak of his form with Barcelona.”

Matthaus also praised the attacking potential of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, while identifying Joshua Kimmich as a natural leader.

“The attacking pair of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz also possess exceptional quality,” he said. “With Joshua Kimmich, we have a genuine leader.”

His positive assessment extended to Germany’s defence. Matthaus singled out Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah for praise, while also highlighting Yann-Aurel Bisseck’s progress at Inter Milan.

“My former team-mate Giuseppe Bergomi, the former Inter player, praised him and said he is already a world-class player,” Matthaus said. “When an expert like him tells me that, I believe him.”

Although Schweinsteiger and Matthaus differ sharply in their evaluations of Germany’s current squad, Bild reported that they agree on one important point: both believe Jurgen Klopp is the right choice to lead the national team back to success.