Klopp pleased with Germany’s Serbia win before decisive Netherlands clash

Jurgen Klopp praised Germany’s performance after they beat Serbia 3-1 to maintain their hopes of reaching the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

The victory means Germany’s group campaign will be decided by Monday’s meeting with the Netherlands at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where another win could prove crucial to their progress.

Klopp was especially pleased with the way his team coped when the match became difficult, as well as with their overall approach.

“Very satisfied. With the game, with the result, with the approach and with the handling of the difficult phases,” the Germany coach said.

He believes the squad is developing into a stronger unit, although he also acknowledged there is still scope for improvement.

“The team is coming together more and more. We still have a lot of room for improvement, but we have shown many positive signs. These signs are super important. That was outstandingly good in so many moments today. That was just a good evening,” Klopp added.

Germany now face a strong Netherlands side in their final group fixture, with the meeting taking place in front of a home crowd in Berlin.

“We wanted this final in Berlin. Hopefully it will be a top game in front of a great crowd. We are looking forward to Monday’s game against a strong Dutch team,” Klopp said.

The manager also stressed the importance of continuing to develop the team’s balance and identifying the right combination of players.

“We have to grow together as a group and always find eleven players who then ignite. That worked today,” he said.

Gruda makes positive debut

Klopp singled out debutant Brajan Gruda for praise after the youngster impressed against Serbia, although he identified areas in which the attacker can continue to develop.

“Brajan can play like that, there’s no question about that. He was also outstandingly supported by Philipp Treu,” Klopp said.

He added that Gruda’s willingness to take on opponents should remain part of his game, rather than something Germany try to restrict.

“He can become even more variable, but I’ll do the devil and forbid him to dribble. He can also work on his defensive transition moments. But he’s a great boy and a wonderful footballer,” Klopp said.

Klopp was also encouraged by the understanding shown by Germany’s midfielders. Their movement, flexibility and readiness to help one another were key positives from the Serbia victory.

Germany could have scored more than three goals, but Klopp said the team’s current goal return was not his immediate concern. His priority is to create a threat from across the pitch rather than place additional pressure on a particular position.

“We want to develop a goal threat from all positions. That’s our plan. The striker situation doesn’t worry me. Of course we can score more goals, but I just told the boys: I really don’t care for the moment,” he said.