Berlin’s Nations League opening has brought unease rather than renewal for Germany, where Jürgen Klopp’s first two matches in charge have produced a draw against the Netherlands and a defeat to Greece.
A difficult start for Klopp
The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager arrived with major expectations after a long spell without success for the national team. Instead, Germany have taken only one positive result from their first two Nations League fixtures under his leadership.
- Germany drew with the Netherlands in Klopp’s opening match.
- They then lost to Greece.
- The early results have already prompted criticism of the new coach and his squad.
Schweinsteiger questions Germany’s level
Bastian Schweinsteiger, the retired Germany international and former Bayern Munich midfielder, offered one of the sharpest assessments of the side. Now working as an ARD commentator, he argued that Germany no longer belong among the game’s leading national teams.
“We are no longer an elite team; we have become average,” Schweinsteiger said. “We no longer have players who can make the difference.”
Greece held up as a contrast
Schweinsteiger pointed to Greece’s attacking options as evidence of the qualities Germany currently lack. He named Konstantinos Karetsas, Christos Tzolis and Fotis Pavlidis as players capable of deciding matches.
- Konstantinos Karetsas
- Christos Tzolis
- Fotis Pavlidis
His message for Klopp was clear: Germany must become a recognisable Klopp team. Schweinsteiger said he hoped the coach would build a side playing football in the style associated with his club career.
