Conclusion of the DFB international matches: Not back to square one

Shortly after the final whistle, Jürgen Klopp gave his players the warmth that has had an effect on many in the German national team. For example, the national coach put his left arm around midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović's neck for a little too long, as if he wanted to put him in a headlock. But Klopp's physical closeness is apparently well received. Substitute captain Florian Wirtz described the national coach as a “master at making everyone feel valued”. This is also part of the changes that Klopp brought about as Julian Nagelsmann's successor in the selection of the German Football Association (DFB).

There was probably a bit of consolation in Klopp's hugs at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki on Sunday evening. The German team was held to a goalless draw in the Nations League by the Greek team that had inflicted a 1-0 defeat on them in Augsburg a week earlier. The result was unpleasant debates. The desired revenge was missed despite a good performance for a long time. As third in the table, three points behind the Netherlands and Greece, the national team probably needs two wins to reach one of the first two places and thus the quarter-finals. In the worst case scenario, it could even be too little if the DFB team wins against bottom-placed Serbia on November 13th and against the Netherlands three days later in Berlin.

Klopp still sees no reason to assess the situation negatively after his fourth game as national coach. The only “flaw” was that his team didn’t take advantage of their chances. “If you had told me a week ago that we could deliver such a performance on Thursday and Sunday, I wouldn’t have believed it,” said Klopp, highlighting the first half as “outstanding”. He recalled the 2-0 win against Serbia last Thursday in Munich, when they had already “played a really great game”. Now they have also taken a step in development against the Greeks, “in conclusion I can say: I am super happy with that.”

In fact, the DFB team played very dominantly for about an hour. However, the conclusions were often imprecise. And when Jonathan Burkardt scored thanks to a sharp cross from the very committed Derry Scherhant, it was disallowed by VAR because of a previous handball by Tom Bischof. There was no striker goal in the fourth game under Klopp, with just three goals scored in total. There is only one win, two draws and one defeat.

After the restart, it is now a structure that runs in sine curves. The results alone indicate a changeable interim balance. The 1-1 draw in the Netherlands at the start and the 0-1 draw against the Greeks was followed by the 2-0 draw against Serbia. After the recent 0-0 draw, the national players are now back in their clubs. But Klopp is confident that he won't have to start from scratch in the complicated November. When we see each other again, “the DFB football hard drive will not be completely empty,” he said.

Klopp's list of topics is also still pretty full. The counter-pressing and enthusiasm are already working well and, along with the internal climate, are among the most noticeable improvements. However, the coordination in the offensive and the finishing can be improved. It will be exciting to see which of the 44 players nominated this time will be invited by Klopp to meet again in five and a half weeks. The squad should then have a normal size, i.e. be reduced by around 20 players.

Of the ten debutants under Klopp, goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, right-back Philipp Treu and left-winger Scherhant were particularly active in promoting themselves. Urbig could seriously compete with Marc-André ter Stegen. Yann Aurel Bisseck and Malick Thiaw are recommended as alternatives in central defense.

The midfield trio of Florian Wirtz, Bischof and Pavlović also attracted positive attention. The latter once again stood out in Thessaloniki as a confident force of order in front of the back four for a long time. With Joshua Kimmich, the recent debate about whether the captain should be appointed could return in November. For the moment, this annoying topic from Klopp's point of view was put to rest.

The national coach dedicated himself to the positive parts of the first inventory. “I wanted to push something, I definitely saw that,” he said and concluded: “The talent is pouring out of the boys’ ears.” Klopp has already re-established this perspective.