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Klopp mixed after debut: "There's room for improvement"
The DFB-Eleven concedes a late equalizer. After the game, the new coach draws a mixed conclusion.
Jürgen Klopp's DFB debut ended in a 1-1 draw in the Nations League against the Netherlands and two injury-related absences. The new coach draws a mixed conclusion.
Late Gakpo volley! Klopp misses out on victory in DFB debut >>>
Germany suffered its first setback already during the warm-up. Jamal Musiala injured his thigh. In the 30th minute, Kai Havertz also had to leave the field (more on this >>>).
Will Klopp make changes before the next game against Greece? "We'll wait and see first. But it's clear that we need to rethink things. We can and should do it," emphasizes the new coach. Both players are said to have undergone an MRI yesterday, but results are not yet available.
"I don't have the impression that the equalizer was undeserved"
The national coach also sees room for improvement in his team's performance, but also finds words of praise. After just 13 minutes, the opponent seemingly celebrated. Van Dijk netted with a header to make it 1-0, but the goal was disallowed shortly after.
After 32 minutes, Nmecha then put the Klopp-led team ahead. However, in the 90+2nd minute, the Germans had to concede an equalizer by Gakpo.
"We would have liked to win, but I don't have the impression that the equalizer was undeserved," analyzed the 59-year-old after the draw. However, he also added some self-criticism: "We were not yet on the path to perfection. There is still a lot of room for improvement." All in all, he can live with the point.
Besides criticism, there is also praise from Klopp
Klopp, however, praised the "intensity, willingness, and passion" of the DFB-Eleven. He also explained that there is a long list of things that already worked well.
Debutant Philipp Treu also had mixed feelings after the game, as he told "RTL": "We wanted to be nasty, put them under pressure, play power football – that worked great, but towards the end, it was too passive." He added: "But my goodness, the Dutch are a well-rehearsed team. Everyone gave their all, that's exactly how you have to play."
Germany will have its next chance for a win on Sunday against Greece (from 8:45 PM CET).
