Germany: Klopp winless after two matches as first questions emerge

27.09.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

Germany

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Greece

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Jürgen Klopp has still not won a match with Germany. After the draw in the Netherlands (1-1), the new head coach suffered his first home defeat against Greece (0-1) in Augsburg on Sunday. Two matches, one point: the former Liverpool manager’s start does not yet live up to the expectations generated by his appointment.

Klopp was chosen after Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. His arrival followed Julian Nagelsmann’s departure, with Nagelsmann himself having been appointed after Hansi Flick’s tenure. Since Joachim Löw stepped down in 2021, the Mannschaft have failed to return to the heights expected of them. They were notably eliminated in the group stage of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, before going out in the round of 32 in 2026.

Klopp given a four-year mandate

The German Football Association handed Klopp a four-year contract, with Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup as his targets. His record at Liverpool, notably including a Champions League triumph in 2019 and a Premier League title in 2020, had heightened expectations surrounding his arrival.

Germany had nevertheless shown encouraging signs in the Netherlands in Klopp’s first match. Felix Nmecha put the visitors ahead before Cody Gakpo equalised in stoppage time (90+2). Klopp then stressed his team’s intensity and commitment, while acknowledging that it was still far from perfect.

Read also: Germany: Jürgen Klopp imposes new rules on the Mannschaft from his first training camp

A first home defeat

Hosting Greece was supposed to give Klopp the opportunity to secure his first victory. Germany ultimately lost 0-1, with Kourbelis scoring the only goal of the match in the 74th minute.

With a draw and a defeat after two Nations League matches, the Germany head coach is already facing the first questions about his team’s progress. It would nevertheless be premature to speak of a crisis or question his mandate: Klopp has only managed two matches and has a contract running until 2030.

The real issue lies elsewhere. After several years marked by underperformance, Germany are now waiting for concrete signs of rebuilding. The upcoming fixtures will show whether Klopp can quickly turn his project into results.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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