Jurgen Klopp returned to German football with bold promises of a new era.
After succeeding Julian Nagelsmann in July 2026 following Germany’s shock World Cup exit to Paraguay, the former Liverpool manager stepped back into a dugout for the first time since leaving Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season, armed with a 44-man squad, 16 uncapped players, and a stated desire to build something entirely fresh.
His opening match ended in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam, a point dropped in the final minutes when Cody Gakpo, one of his former Liverpool players, equalised for the Dutch.
That left Germany with just one point from their first Nations League fixture. Sunday night in Augsburg was supposed to provide the platform for a first win.
Instead, Greece completed a landmark of their own.
Dimitrios Kourbelis scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute at the WWK Arena, giving Greece their first-ever victory over Germany in the 11th meeting between the two nations.
It was a famous result built on defensive resilience, an inspired goalkeeping display, and one moment of clinical finishing that the hosts could not find all evening.
Germany made five changes to their line-up but, despite enjoying 75 per cent of the ball, could not break down a well-organised Greek defence.
Many of their 16 attempts came from distance. Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis stood firm throughout, denying Karim Adeyemi, a Joshua Kimmich free kick, Serge Gnabry, and debutant Bambase Conte.
Five of Germany’s 14 shots went on target, yet none found the net. When Kourbelis’ effort from the edge of the box took a heavy deflection off Kimmich and completely wrongfooted goalkeeper Alexander Nubel, it settled the contest.
Greece had also beaten Serbia 2-1 four days earlier, taking six points from two away matches to lead League A Group 2.
For Klopp, the picture looked rather different, winless in two, with his first home match as Germany manager ending in defeat.
For Liverpool supporters, the story carried an added dimension.
Kostas Tsimikas, the Reds’ left-back, was part of the Greece squad that pulled off one of international football’s more striking results of the autumn, and his post-match reflections had a very particular focus.
Speaking to Sport24, Tsimikas described the moment he came face to face with his former manager after the final whistle.
“The most fantastic feeling was seeing him after a long time,” the defender said. “I’ve definitely been through a lot with him. There’s a relationship of love and respect between us.”
It was a reunion with a twist. Tsimikas had spent four years under Klopp at Anfield, arriving from Olympiacos in August 2020 and developing into a reliable and often decisive squad member.
His most memorable moment in a red shirt came in May 2022, when Liverpool faced Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley. With the game having finished 0-0 after 90 minutes, Kostas Tsimikas came off the bench to replace the injured Robertson.
Liverpool won the penalty shootout 6-5, with Tsimikas scoring the deciding penalty. The bond between player and manager ran deep, which made Sunday’s circumstances all the more meaningful.
“As I told him, I did what he taught me, and I beat him with his own weapons,” Tsimikas said.
It was a line that captured the evening precisely, Greece’s victory was built on defensive organisation, collective work rate, and taking a single clear chance, the very principles Klopp has preached throughout his managerial career.
Klopp’s reaction, according to Kostas Tsimikas, was characteristic.
“He was laughing and said, ‘Congratulations.'” The two will meet again soon. “I’ll see him in a week,” Tsimikas added, before turning his attention to what lies immediately ahead. “Now we’ll rest, because in three days we’re playing another final.”
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