Klopp’s Germany show signs of progress despite slow start

Germany manager Juergen Klopp says his side are moving in the right direction despite winning only one of their first four matches under the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss.

Klopp left the pitch in Thessaloniki shortly before midnight on Sunday knowing the results had not matched the excitement surrounding his appointment in July. Germany’s latest Nations League fixture ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving them third in Group A2 on five points.

The Netherlands and Greece lead the group on eight points, while Germany’s only victory during the international period was a 2-0 win over Serbia last week. Their other results included a home defeat by Greece and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Supporters had expected an immediate improvement after Germany’s latest early World Cup exit, but results have so far remained inconsistent. The team have, however, shown greater aggression and have occasionally produced the high-tempo attacking football associated with Klopp.

“I am very satisfied because I know where we’ve come from,” Klopp said after Sunday’s match, the fourth and final international of the month.

“I wouldn’t have believed we could play a first half like that after just one week. The lads put in a top-notch performance; their movement and positioning were outstanding.”

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus, who lifted the World Cup in 1990, said the team were still struggling to turn their performances into points.

“Overall, it was evident that many aspects of their game weren’t quite clicking yet,” he said.

“It was clear that the young players thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, the points we got were not at that level. We cannot be satisfied with the points haul.”

Klopp attracted attention when he selected 44 players for the four matches, naming two separate groups of 22 for two games each. Sixteen of those players were newcomers as he began the task of rebuilding the four-times world champions’ international reputation.

“I am very impressed with the team and the way we went about it. Everyone stepped up over the past two weeks and justified their selection,” said Klopp. “When we defend collectively like that, the lads can really play football.”

Defender Philipp Treu and winger Derry Scherhant were among the new players to make encouraging debuts.

Germany’s defeat by Paraguay in the round of 32 at the World Cup in June came under Klopp’s predecessor Julian Nagelsmann. It was their third successive early exit, following first-round eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Germany’s most recent World Cup triumph came in 2014.

Klopp’s side next travel to Serbia on November 13 before hosting the Netherlands three days later. They will need more regular victories in those matches to remain in contention for a top-two finish.