Germany's basic strength challenges Klopp: Schlotterbeck sees solution

Nico Schlotterbeck has spoken out strikingly about national team coach Jürgen Klopp, just before the Nations League duel against Serbia in Munich. The 26‑year‑old defender says that the German internationals are still struggling with the ideas of their new coach and that the first victory is near.

Schlotterbeck's criticism of Klopp

The 26‑year‑old defender Nico Schlotterbeck stated: “Jürgen is trying to get his system in place in a short time.” “We receive a lot of information from him. That is not so easy,” he added.

Schlotterbeck added that “We have to adapt. If that succeeds, we become a good team.” He believes that all players must reach the same level as at their club.

For the Nations League duel against Serbia in Munich, Thursday evening, the team has not yet recorded a win. After a draw (1‑1) against the Netherlands and a defeat (0‑1) against Greece, the team is now seeking its first victory.

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Klopp focused mainly on defensive organization in the first training sessions. “That is already going quite well,” Schlotterbeck said. “Now the final step is still missing: that we make better decisions up front.”

The defender is convinced that, if that step is taken, he has full confidence that Germany will defeat Serbia. He himself says he is “110 percent” convinced.

If Germany fails to win again, Klopp would become the first German national team coach to remain winless in the first three internationals. After the defeat to Greece he responded: “Better a bad start than a bad finish.”

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With these remarks Schlotterbeck hopes that the players will adapt quickly and thus be able to secure the first victory in the Nations League tournament.