Klopp is having an impact: the German national team impresses in its Nations League debut

It was a few weeks ago that Uli Hoeneß was asked about Jürgen Klopp. This is a very good coach, said the honorary president of FC Bayern. "But," he added, "I'm not a big fan of hero worship. He's already getting such a status as if he could walk on water."

It's clear that Klopp can't do that. But one thing is certain after the 59-year-old's first international match: Klopp has the ability to move something, such as the German national football team in the right direction.

The 1-1 draw on Thursday evening in Amsterdam was a good first step. A fast-paced and open-minded first half was followed by a second half that was also very impressive - and Germany lost victory by conceding a late goal.

The German team, which had to cope with the loss of Jamal Musiala shortly before kick-off and also that of Kai Havertz from the 39th minute, played courageously. She pressed early, put pressure on. That had nothing to do with the uninspiring football at the World Cup.

The national team was present, enthusiastic and willing

It was all happening on the pitch in the Johan Cruyff Arena. Goal chances on both sides, plus two whistled goals for the Dutch - and for the Germans it was 1-0 through Felix Nmecha, which caused displeasure among the opponents because they complained that they should please play the ball out of bounds. A Dutchman was injured on the ground, but the referee allowed play to continue. The equalizer came later.

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The young German team was present at the start of the Nations League; she was enthusiastic and willing. She was mostly fun to watch. She was also lucky, no question about it – and there were some mistakes too. But she had speed - and debutants like Philipp Treu and Younes Ebnoutalib, who presented themselves excellently and showed why the new national coach had nominated them.

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That was refreshing – and invigorating for a German team that had recently become very stuck in its ways. And at the back there was a keeper in goal, Marc-André ter Stegen, who made several brilliant saves, but also played the ball dangerously at the feet of the Dutch twice.

It wasn't the big hit yet. But a game that can be built on.

Lars Gartenschläger is an editor at the Sports Competence Center. He has been reporting on the national team for WELT for many years. Most recently he was at the World Cup in the USA. On Thursday evening, Gartenschläger sat in the media gallery in Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena.