Munich hosts a testing Nations League evening on Thursday, with Jürgen Klopp seeking his first win as Germany coach at the Allianz Arena after a start that has brought uncertainty rather than momentum.
Germany drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in Klopp’s first match in charge on 24 September, a game that also marked Xavi Hernández’s debut as Oranje manager. That was followed by Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Greece, the first time the Greek national side had beaten Germany.
A difficult opening in Munich
- Klopp began his Germany tenure with the draw against the Netherlands.
- Germany then lost at home to Greece, leaving the new coach without a victory after two matches.
- On Wednesday, ahead of Serbia’s visit to Munich, Klopp appealed for patience with both his players and his wider project.
- Germany face Serbia on Thursday before meeting Greece again on Sunday.
Although two matches are far too few for a definitive judgement, the sequence represents the least successful start by a Germany manager. Klopp had already cautioned against instant expectations after the Greece loss, saying people should not expect miracles and comparing progress to having to be “ugly before becoming beautiful”.
The former Liverpool manager selected 44 players for this Nations League block, covering fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece, Serbia and Greece again. Injuries have already deprived him of two major attacking figures, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.
Schlotterbeck suffers another ankle problem
Germany’s preparations suffered another setback at the opening of Wednesday’s training session. Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck twisted his right ankle and was immediately sent for an MRI scan.
It is his second ankle injury of the year. During the World Cup match against Ivory Coast, which Germany won 2-1, Schlotterbeck damaged ligaments in his left ankle and did not return until 12 September against Paderborn.
The centre-back completed the Netherlands match but was left out against Greece as Klopp managed his workload. He was among only six players retained in both of the coach’s squads and had been expected to start against Serbia. With Joshua Kimmich absent from the second selection, Schlotterbeck had also been among the potential candidates to wear the captain’s armband.
Waldemar Anton, his Dortmund colleague, could now be joined in central defence by Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch or Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw.
Serbia arrive under pressure of their own
Germany are not the only side arriving in Bavaria with a troubled record in the current window. Serbia, coached by Veljko Paunović, have lost both of their opening Nations League games: 2-1 to Greece and 2-1 to the Netherlands.
For Klopp, the occasion offers a chance to settle a turbulent first fortnight. For Serbia, it is likewise an opportunity to halt an early slide before the international window closes.
