Jurgen Klopp’s Germany have won only one of their first four matches under the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, leaving the team third in their Nations League group and Lothar Matthaus warning that the results are not good enough.
Germany beat Serbia 2-0 last week, but that victory came after a home defeat by Greece, a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and Sunday’s goalless draw. They have five points, while the Netherlands and Greece lead Group Two on eight points each, according to Reuters.
Matthaus, captain of Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning side, said the team’s performances remained short of the required standard.
“Overall, it was clear that many aspects of their play were not fully in harmony yet,” he said.
“It was clear that the young players enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, the points we collected were not at the level required. We cannot be satisfied with our points total.”
Klopp, who was appointed in July to replace Julian Nagelsmann, had been expected to bring an immediate change in fortunes after Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign. However, his first four internationals have produced only one victory.
Despite the results, Germany showed greater intensity and aggression than in recent years, with periods of the fast, attacking football associated with Klopp.
The 59-year-old defended his side after the final match of the four-game run this month, saying he had seen progress that others might have missed.
“I am extremely satisfied because I know where we came from,” Klopp said. “I would not have believed that we could produce a first half at that level after only one week. The players performed brilliantly; their movement and positioning were outstanding.”
He added: “I am very impressed by the team and by the way we played. Everyone worked extremely hard over the past two weeks and proved they deserved to be selected. When we defend collectively like that, the players can produce great football.”
Klopp’s 44-player experiment
Klopp surprised many observers when he named a 44-player squad for the four matches, divided into two separate groups of 22. He also handed debuts to 16 players as he attempted to restore the reputation of the four-time world champions.
Defender Philip Trow and winger Derry Sherhant were among the newcomers to make a strong impression on their first appearances.
Klopp’s task now extends beyond developing a team. Germany’s supporters have little patience for another failure after Nagelsmann’s side suffered a shock defeat by Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32 last June.
That was Germany’s third early tournament exit, following group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Their last major title came at the 2014 World Cup.
Germany must win when they visit Serbia on 13 November and host the Netherlands three days later if they are to remain in contention for one of the top two qualifying places.
