Jurgen Klopp's first game at the helm of the German national team ended in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, with Cody Gakpo finding a late equalizer to deny his former boss
Jurgen Klopp returned to the sidelines for the first time since leaving Liverpool on Thursday
Jurgen Klopp returned to the sidelines for the first time since leaving Liverpool on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)
Jonathan Tah appeared to throw his weight behind new boss Jurgen Klopp after his first game in charge of Germany ended in a draw.
Klopp was just seconds away from securing a win in his first game as Germany manager, having returned to the dugout for the first time in over two years after ending his legendary spell at Liverpool.
But one of his former players denied him the perfect start, with Cody Gakpo securing a 1-1 draw for the Netherlands in Amsterdam with a brilliant volleyed finish. The result ensured the Nations League encounter, full of drama and plenty of controversy, ended with the points shared.
After the game, Klopp was all smiles as he was reunited with his former Liverpool stars, sharing warm embraces with both Virgil van Dijk and Gakpo ahead of kick-off. The 59-year-old may have been pleased with what he saw from Germany in his first game as coach.
Germany showed flashes of aggressive, high-intensity "heavy metal" football early on, and they took the lead through Felix Nmecha in the 32nd minute. But in the second half, Klopp’s team struggled and had to see off heavy Dutch pressure, who also enjoyed a debut from their coach, Xavi.
Ultimately, Gakpo’s strike ensured a draw, which was a fair reflection of the contest. Speaking after, Tah seemed to support Klopp following a promising first showing.
Jonathan Tah was pleased with how Germany played in Jurgen Klopp's first game
Jonathan Tah was pleased with how Germany played in Jurgen Klopp's first game(Image: Getty Images)
“We brought fire, intensity, and energy to the game,” Tah said. “Not everything was perfect, neither with nor without the ball, but we didn't expect it to be.
“The point was to show that we wanted to present a different side of ourselves on the pitch and make a new start. That was the first step.”
Speaking to RTL after full-time, Klopp acknowledged there was plenty for his team to work on, but the first competitive 90-minute showing was still positive. He said: “There were lots of things that worked. I'm very satisfied with many individual performances, with the passion as well.
“But we can play better football, for sure. I would have loved to win, but I can live with the point.”
Klopp was content with the result despite a late blow
Klopp was content with the result despite a late blow
Asked if he was nervous ahead of the game, Klopp replied: “I stood there over 1,000 times, so it was quite natural.”
Klopp expects to be without Kai Havertz for the clash with Greece on Sunday after the Arsenal forward hobbled off following a reckless challenge by Quinten Timber. Germany also lost Jamal Musiala to a thigh issue during the warm-ups, and Klopp is now waiting for updates on both players.
“Unfortunately, this happened to Jamal before the game, then Kai also said he felt it. They are both having an MRI at the moment. I hope we get the diagnosis tonight,” Klopp said. “Of course, it's not great now. I hope it's just nothing bad. The boys are probably out of our next game, but hopefully they'll be ready to play again quite quickly.”
Germany faces Greece in Group B of the Nations League on Sunday, September 27.