Liverpool star Kostas Tsimikas featured for Greece against Germany in the UEFA Nations League, where he managed to catch up with former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp
Kostas Tsimikas spoke to Jurgen Klopp after Greece's win against Germany
Kostas Tsimikas spoke to Jurgen Klopp after Greece's win against Germany(Image: X/@novasportsgr)
Kostas Tsimikas has revealed that he used what Jurgen Klopp had taught him in his time at Liverpool to help beat the manager on the international stage.
The left-back started for Greece in the UEFA Nations League clash with Germany, as he took on his former manager in his second match on the touchline since returning to management. While Germany had hoped that the Klopp era would bring about radical change, following years of underperformance in international tournaments, that hasn't quite taken effect yet, with it still being early days.
A draw against the Netherlands in the opening game was then followed up by defeat to Greece, as Dimitrios Kourbelis' goal in the 74th minute was enough to earn the visitors a historic victory.
While it came as a blow to Klopp's early tenure, there was still a moment for the manager to catch up with Tsimikas, who featured under him during his time in charge at Anfield.
The Reds left-back revealed afterward to Sport24 exactly what he said, explaining: "The best thing of all was that I got to see him again after such a long time.
"We've been through so many things together. There's affection and respect between us.
"I even told him, ‘I used everything you taught me and beat you with your own weapons.’ He laughed and said, ‘Congratulations.’ We'll see each other again in a week. I need to rest now. Because in three days, there's another crucial match waiting, like a final.”
It was a touching moment that showed that even in defeat, Klopp could take the time to discuss the game with a former player of his, whom he will reunite with again before the end of the international break.
Tsimikas featured for Greece against Germany over the international break
Tsimikas featured for Greece against Germany over the international break(Image: (Photo by Michaela STACHE / AFP via Getty Images))
Tsimikas ended up playing 86 times under Klopp in his career, with the 30-year-old often offering a valuable back-up option to Andy Robertson, who was often preferred in that position.
It's a role that he has continued to take up in the years following his departure, though the last campaign did see him move to Roma for a loan stint while a transition between Robertson and Milos Kerkez took place.
With his return to Liverpool in the summer allowing him to feature again for the side, he has struggled to land a place over Kerkez, with his one start in the Premier League against Fulham ending early with a half-time substitution due to the difficulties he faced.
The international break could help Tsimikas rediscover his best form to make a real battle for the left-back shirt, with Andoni Iraola still deciding on his best team.
It remains to be seen whether the defender will be able to stake a claim to a place when he returns, but for now, there are two more international games for him to compete in that will take his full focus. Should he impress, then the chance to feature again may naturally follow.