Klopp unfazed after Germany’s home defeat

Jürgen Klopp’s first home match as Germany manager ended in a narrow 1-0 Nations League defeat to Greece at the WWK Arena, yet the former Liverpool boss insisted there was no cause for alarm. 

He described the result as an expected part of the team’s development and accepted full responsibility for the selection and tactical decisions.

Substitute Dimitrios Kourbelis’ deflected strike in the 74th minute proved decisive, allowing Greece to maintain their perfect start in Group A2. 

Despite the loss, Germany controlled proceedings throughout. They won the expected goals battle 1.27 to 0.72, enjoyed 75.8 per cent possession and managed twice as many shots as their opponents (16 to eight). 

Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis produced five important saves to keep the hosts at bay.

Klopp fielded a new-look attacking quartet featuring Younes Ebnoutalib, Bambase Conte and Kevin Schade.

Familiar face Karim Adeyemi stood out, leading the side with three shots and four chances created. 

The performance followed a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in the campaign opener, leaving Klopp still searching for his first victory since succeeding Julian Nagelsmann.

After the final whistle, Klopp stated that the defeat was absolutely part of the process. He emphasised that the lineup, the composition of the side and the substitutions were entirely his responsibility. 

He added that the squad had only been together for a week, were facing a deep-lying opponent and remained a newly assembled team that still needed its systems fully in place.

Germany face Serbia on Thursday before the return fixture against Greece on 4 October. Klopp remains confident that continued work and greater cohesion will soon produce the desired results as the new era takes shape as patience is all needed for success.