Klopp needs more time to make his mark on Germany, says Matthias Sammer

Matthias Sammer has warned that Jurgen Klopp may not be able to transfer the influence he enjoyed at club level to Germany as quickly, with the former Germany midfielder highlighting the different demands of international management.

Speaking to Sky, Sammer said Klopp faced a particularly difficult challenge during the current international break, which represents his second camp since taking charge of the national team.

Germany will play two Nations League – Path One matches during the camp. They travel to Serbia on Friday, 13 November 2026, before hosting the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday, 16 November.

Sammer, who won the European Championship in 1996, believes Klopp’s greatest strengths have traditionally come from the daily work involved in club football and his ability to develop players within his tactical system.

“I think it is extremely difficult for him at the moment because his greatest strength is the daily work and developing players in the way he wants them to play, but he does not have that time now,” Sammer said.

The former Germany star added that Klopp had yet to show the full extent of his coaching ability in the international environment.

“He cannot yet bring all of his strength as a national-team coach to the job when compared with his spells at clubs,” he said.

Sammer also urged patience before judging the impact of the former club manager, who he believes needs more time to impose his ideas on Germany.

“I cannot expect too much at the moment. The immediate impact that Jurgen always had when he was managing a club is not possible yet, so I think it will take some time,” he said.

Germany’s results during the previous camp in September did not surprise Sammer. Klopp recorded a victory against Serbia, but Germany also lost to Greece in Augsburg and drew with the Netherlands and with Greece in Thessaloniki.

Klopp and the German Football Association will be hoping for improved results in the two upcoming fixtures against Serbia and the Netherlands.

The manager is currently working with a squad of 24 players. That is a smaller group than the one selected for the previous exceptional camp, when Klopp dealt with an extended list of 44 players.

Germany’s meeting with Serbia takes place on 13 November 2026 in the Nations League – Path One, followed by the home fixture against the Netherlands in Berlin on 16 November.