In Augsburg, Germany’s Nations League campaign has slipped quickly from uneasy to alarming. Greece’s 1-0 win at the WWK Arena on Sunday was their first ever victory over Germany, leaving Jürgen Klopp’s side with one point from two matches in Group A2.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, the 2014 World Cup winner, delivered a blunt assessment after the defeat. The former Germany midfielder said the national side no longer belongs among the leading teams and questioned the depth of decisive talent available to Klopp.
Quick facts
- Greece beat Germany 1-0 at Augsburg’s WWK Arena.
- It was Greece’s first victory in their history against Germany.
- Germany have one point after drawing with the Netherlands in their opening match.
- Greece lead Group A2 on six points, ahead of the Netherlands on four.
- Germany are third, while Serbia are bottom after losing both fixtures.
“We are no longer a top team; we are merely average now,” Schweinsteiger said. “We do not have players capable of changing matches. Greece have Karetsas, Tzolis and Pavlidis — players who can make the difference.”
The 42-year-old did not direct his criticism at Klopp, whose first match in charge of Germany on home soil ended in defeat. Instead, Schweinsteiger said the coach cannot produce an immediate transformation from the touchline.
“He is not a magician,” said Schweinsteiger. “It will be difficult work. The players must now ask themselves whether this is really all they can deliver.”
Schweinsteiger remains one of the defining figures of Bayern Munich’s modern era, having won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2012-13. His remarks underline the scale of concern around a Germany squad that has taken only a draw against the Netherlands and this historic loss to Greece from its opening two Nations League outings.
Germany remain in action twice more during the international window. Serbia, beaten in each of their first two Group A2 games, travel to Munich on Thursday before Klopp’s team head to Greece for Sunday’s return meeting.
