News (engl.)

Jürgen Klopp’s tenure as Germany’s head coach began in Amsterdam with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League. In an interview, Klopp spoke about his debut, the performance and the potential in his team.

Question: What did you make of your first game as Germany head coach? What were you happy with?

Jürgen Klopp: The intensity, commitment and work rate were good. The quality of our football was good as well. When the Dutch became more dominant, we didn’t play enough football. That’s how we found ourselves under pressure. We would’ve liked to have won, but I don’t think their equaliser was undeserved. We weren’t on the way to perfection just yet. There’s still plenty of room for improvement.

Question: Where is there still room for improvement?

Klopp: We created plenty of chances on the counter-attack and we should have made it 2-0 before half time. When things aren’t quite clicking just yet, you have to fight. We did that. But we can most definitely play better football. The way we want to play isn’t going to be completely second-nature just yet. We need time for our style of play, particularly without the ball, to become more instinctive. The tactical understanding isn’t quite there yet. But there were plenty of positives that I can work with.

Question: Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz are injured. How are things looking with them?

Klopp: It’s a muscular issue for both of them. They’ve both had MRIs. I hope it’s nothing too serious and the lads will be fit to play again fairly soon. They probably won’t be available for Sunday’s match.

Question: Do you think you’ll include Jonathan Burkardt or Nick Woltemade in the squad for the game against Greece?

Klopp: We’ll wait and see. But it’s clear we need to rethink things – we can, and should be, considering our options.

Question: The Dutch were upset about Germany’s goal because Brian Brobbey was down injured. What do you think about the situation?

Klopp: The rules state that the referee stops the game, not the players. And I’d tell my team to carry on playing. We used the opportunity really well and put together a good move. I don’t feel guilty – I would if it had been an illegal goal.

Question: How do you rate the performance of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen?

Klopp: Obviously the goalkeeper is an important part of the game. We would have conceded fewer chances if we’d been more decisive when we had the ball. Marc had an excellent game – a really, really good performance.

Question: How are you now feeling about the upcoming matches?

Klopp: This is a results-based sport and we don’t want to draw the next 500 matches.