Effenberg warns Germany will lose its place at the world top
Former international Stefan Effenberg criticises in a column for t‑online.de the current situation of the German national football team, after they lost 0‑1 to Greece on Sunday evening in the Nations League and, in his view, no longer count among the top nations.
Effenberg, a 58‑year‑old former international, points the finger at the wound and warns: "Germany is no longer a top nation, but only a follower in world football." He sees the German footballers facing a long and rocky road and calls on fans to adopt a realistic perspective.
Defeat against Greece
The 0‑1 defeat to Greece on Sunday evening makes clear that the team is no longer perceived as a top nation. Effenberg emphasizes that the squad is now regarded as pure mediocrity.
Klopp in the crosshairs
Jürgen Klopp (59) is also criticised by Effenberg, because the team and the coaching staff have not found a solution to the familiar style of play. He writes: "Both the German squad and Klopp and his coaching staff must be blamed for having no recipe against this familiar style of play."
Klopp under pressure after Germany's defeat to Greece
In the first home match after the defeat, the DFB eleven secured a 1‑1 draw against the Netherlands, a “happy point,” as Effenberg calls it. As national coach, Klopp must work with the players that the clubs provide him, and cannot simply buy a €100‑million player.
Effenberg warns that if there is no improvement, the tone towards Klopp could quickly become sharper. He stresses that the public forgives the coach more, but at the same time sets higher expectations.
The XXL squad assembled by Klopp comprises 44 players, but the first half of the squad has “unpleasantly” shown in the two matches that a personnel overhaul needs more time. The current quality is far from the world elite such as Spain, England, France or Argentina.
Klopp under fire after draw and defeat in Nations League
For the fans, this means that patience and realistic expectations are necessary, while the German national team must work on its position in world football.