Jürgen Klopp: “If you want to criticize someone, criticize me”

27.09.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

Germany

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Greece

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Jürgen Klopp’s start at the helm of the German national team has not been without difficulties. After a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, Germany lost to Greece (0-1) on the second matchday of the Nations League. The 59-year-old manager took responsibility for his decisions and called on people not to heap blame on his players.

Klopp takes responsibility for his decisions

Appointed after Germany were eliminated by Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16, followed by Julian Nagelsmann’s departure, Klopp must now rebuild a team capable of finding consistency again. After the defeat to Greece, the former Liverpool manager pointed out that the changes made and the team selection were his responsibility:

The starting XI, the way the team was built and the many changes are 100% my responsibility.

The Germany manager acknowledges that his squad has not yet reached the desired level, but believes that this period is part of the rebuilding process.

“Leave the players alone”

Klopp also sought to protect his players from criticism after the result. In his view, these first two matches should neither call into question the work undertaken nor lead to excessive judgments about the team’s level:

There is no reason to get down and say that we are bad. That is not the case. However, we are not yet as good as we would like to be.

The German manager then became even more direct regarding potential criticism:

If you want to criticize someone, direct it at me. Leave the players alone.

The German national team will have an opportunity to respond in its next Nations League match. It will host Serbia on October 1, on the competition’s third matchday.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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Germany

Greece

UEFA Nations League A