Klopp’s Germany held by Greece as Nations League quarter-final hopes fade

Jurgen Klopp’s first international break as Germany manager has ended in frustration, with a goalless draw against Greece leaving his side third in their Nations League group.

Germany dominated possession and created numerous chances in Sunday’s match, but could not find a way through a resolute Greek defence. They have five points from four games, while the Netherlands and Greece lead the group on eight points each.

The result means Germany face a difficult route to the quarter-finals. It also leaves Klopp with one win, two draws and one defeat from his opening four matches in charge.

Germany had looked dangerous in the first half, registering 13 shots before the interval compared with Greece’s one. Jonathan Burkardt thought he had put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute, but VAR ruled out the goal after identifying a handball by Tom Bischof during the build-up.

The home side gradually lost their fluency as the match progressed, with their lack of cutting edge in the final third becoming increasingly apparent.

Derry Scherhant was one of the few consistent positives. Making only his second appearance for Germany, the Freiburg winger caused problems throughout, particularly from the left side. He created the opportunity for Burkardt’s disallowed goal and came close to scoring himself before half-time, when his effort struck the post.

Scherhant remained a threat after the break before being substituted in the 82nd minute.

The draw followed a difficult sequence of results for Germany during the international break. They drew 1-1 with the Netherlands, lost 1-0 to Greece, beat Serbia 2-0 for their only victory and then drew 0-0 with Greece.

Florian Wirtz admitted the result was disappointing but said there were encouraging signs.

“We pressed hard, but we did not score that damn goal, which is frustrating,” he said. “Overall, we can be satisfied with our performance because there were many positives. We must not forget that we have only played together for a week. We badly wanted to win, but we did not manage it. It was clearly not all bad.”

Scherhant added: “We played very well in the first half and should simply have rewarded ourselves with a goal. We can build on this performance, but of course winning would have been more enjoyable.”

Klopp defended the team’s display at his post-match news conference, saying Germany had not had enough time to develop the understanding required to break down a deep defence.

“The hardest thing in football is playing against a packed defence. For that, you need automatic reactions,” he said. “Given the short time available to us, it is clear that we have not trained enough. I am very satisfied because I know where we came from. I am very, very, very impressed by the team.”

He added: “Our counter-pressing was effective 90% of the time. From the 60th minute onwards, we became a little tense, which is why our sequences of play were no longer as clear.”

Despite Klopp’s confidence, Germany’s failure to beat Greece in either meetingone defeat and one drawhas increased the pressure on the former Liverpool manager.

He must find attacking solutions quickly, with Germany’s final two group matches away to Serbia and at home to the Netherlands. Points from those games will be vital if they are to retain any hope of reaching the quarter-finals.