Klopp debuts with defeat: Germany loses 0-1 against Greece

Jürgen Klopp, visibly dismayed, congratulated his Greek coaching colleague. He then quickly sent his players to the fans to at least thank them for their great support. At Klopp's home debut, of all things, the spirit of optimism surrounding the German national football team suffered a severe setback. 0:1 (0:0) against Greece - the DFB fans in the sold-out Augsburg stadium expected something completely different. For the first time ever, Germany lost against the 2004 European champions!

“It’s part of the process, absolutely,” said Klopp on ARD. "The line-up, the composition, the many changes - it's all 100 percent my responsibility."

When they tirelessly ran at the Greek defensive block, they initially lacked class offensively. And then after the break the defensive stability suddenly disappeared. The guests took advantage of this in front of 28,945 spectators with Dimitrios Kourbelis scoring the winning goal. Captain Joshua Kimmich's shot from the Asteras Tripolis midfielder was unfortunately deflected into the goal by Alexander Nübel in the 74th minute and was unstoppable.

«It wasn't an easy game. To be honest, we just didn’t do it well enough,” said defense chief Jonathan Tah on ARD. «Of course we are disappointed and angry when we lose a game. But the important thing is that we stand together. That won't change, the euphoria with the new coach. If we don't play well and lose, it's clear that not everyone is happy. But we can make up for that in the next game.”

One point after two Nations League games

After two games in the Nations League, the DFB selection is already in third place in Group 2 with one point, five points behind leaders Greece. That's sobering - the national coach is going into the second week of international matches with a lot of work to do.

During the day there was already a big change of beds in the DFB quarters in Herzogenaurach. The second part of Klopp's XXL squad, made up of international newcomers such as Cologne's Said El Mala, Mika Baur from Celtic Glasgow, Brentford professional Vitaly Janelt and Elversberg's Felix Keidel, traveled to Munich for the other two games against Serbia on Thursday and the quick second leg against the Greeks in Thessaloniki three days later.

In the evening, the newcomers in Augsburg sat in the stands as spectators to keep their fingers crossed and see the changed style of play under Klopp live. They also saw that the national coach is consistently continuing his extensive personnel review. For example with Bambasé Conté, who was allowed to make his debut in the starting eleven this time.

“I’m really keen to play,” said the 23-year-old from Hoffenheim on ARD when he arrived at the stadium. It was the midfielder who fired the first shot on goal in the 2nd minute. But the Greeks, who started the Nations League with a 2-1 win in Serbia, also registered early in the game with a dangerous finish from Dortmund's Konstantinos Karetsas.

No gaps in the deep defensive block

What followed was a tough run against the deep defensive block. Captain Joshua Kimmich was the diligent ball distributor, but there were no gaps. Kevin Schade first acted dynamically on a counterattack and then was too hesitant.

Only when Karim Adeyemi moved to the left wing for him did more happen. The ex-Dortmunder, who moved to FC Barcelona, ​​only shot over after a solo run (27th). Keeper Kostas Tzolakis was able to save his powerful long-range shot shortly before (32').

Conclusion at the break: There was still a lot of progress left. Little burned at the back. Alexander Nübel hardly had to intervene in his fourth international match. Yann Aurel Bisseck and Josha Vagnoman, who were new to the defense, did their job properly. But there had to be more to come as we moved forward.

For the first time in 25 years there was standing room again at an international match. And after the break, the DFB team attacked the goal with the standing supporters who created the atmosphere. And again it was debutant Conté who finished after successfully winning the ball. But Tzolakis was back (50th).

And Greece's goalkeeper became even more focused: he directed a free kick from Kimmich towards a corner (53'). Now there was a phase of pressure. Too little came from standards. After 65 minutes, Klopp reacted. He brought Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt, who were activated early from squad two following the injuries to Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, into the squad.

But first there was a moment of shock. Kimmich lost the ball badly in his own half, but Fotis Ioannidis did not take the invitation to make it 0-1, but instead shot past the DFB goal on the left (67th).

The game became increasingly wild and order was completely lost. The German players did not find common solutions. And the Greeks took advantage of that. The 0:1 was on the way several times until Kourbelis made it.