News (engl.)

Jürgen Klopp’s first home game as Germany head coach ended in a 1-0 defeat against Greece. Afterwards, the head coach gave his assessment of the Nations League match in Augsburg.

DFB.net: Mr. Klopp, what is your assessment following the 1-0 defeat in your home debut against Greece?

Jürgen Klopp: I’ve learnt a few things I’d rather not have learnt. It’s difficult to play against a low block. You need set routines for that. We weren’t able to develop them to the extent required in such a short space of time. That doesn’t surprise me, even though it’s not what I wanted.

DFB.net: What did you say to the team in the dressing room?

Klopp: We discussed the game and there obviously wasn’t 1,000 positive things to say about it, but we can’t forget that during the week leading up to it, I’d only seen good things. I’m not saying it’s no big deal. But I am the one responsible for decisions concerning the squad, for example, so I’ll take it on the chin. Losing is something that we shouldn’t become accustomed to. It’s now the second group’s turn. They’re well-rested so we can do a bit more, but against Serbia in Munich we’ll probably be facing another team who defend deep inside their own half.

DFB.net: How do you intend to overcome a low block?

Klopp: There are infinite ways, but it’s difficult for every team. Depth and breadth are important, as is individual quality from time to time, but we cannot rely on that. That is the big challenge in football, even for Spain, as seen recently at the World Cup.

DFB.net: Do you worry that the initial euphoria has already come and gone?

Klopp: If it’s gone already then I’m sorry, but euphoria doesn’t help us when we come together as a team. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, as it should be. The results of that will of course come. There were definitely positives to be seen and we have also created plenty of chances as well.

DFB.net: You led the team off the pitch while applauding the fans. What were you hoping to achieve by doing that?

Klopp: The team were stood there looking a bit disheartened, but there was no reason for that. We tried everything we could, so it’s not the case that they need to apologise for anything. There were also a few boos, maybe someone was breathing loudly or had asthma. I understand it, but it’s not necessary. If people want to boo, they should boo at me. The door is always open for those who want to play the style of football that we want to play. But I already knew that Jürgen Klopp wouldn’t be able to solve everything with a few hand gestures. If anyone didn’t know that already, they know it now.

DFB.net: What gives you courage?

Klopp: I am one hundred percent convinced that there will come a moment where we’re a difficult opponent for everyone. I’m not disillusioned – I’ve seen far too much happen in football for that. I know that every individual can play better than they did tonight. We need to get to the point where we can show what we’re capable of on the pitch, rather than trying to be better than everyone else in world football

DFB.net: Is it also an issue of mentality?

Klopp: A mix of everything. We’re not the Bayern München of European football; we’re a football team who have to find ourselves. I want to stress that last part. It’s not complicated and, believe me, we’ll get there. I see no reason for us to sink into a depression. But we’re also not yet where we’d like to be.

DFB.net: What do you want to happen now?

Klopp: I’d appreciate it if people didn’t pass final judgement on the players. If someone wants to be critical, they should be critical of me and leave the lads in peace. They don’t need to beat themselves up over this – what’s done is done. The future is whatever we make of it. We’ll give it our all. We’ll carry on down this path.