Klopp launches training programme for 44 internationals in Herzogenaurach
In Herzogenaurach, where the new football school in the state of Bavaria was opened just under two weeks ago, Jürgen Klopp, described by Reuters as Germany's top football teacher, after his first debut has already gathered 44 young men for a first teaching session and wants to teach them the principle of counter‑pressing.
Klopp as Master Teacher
Everything hinges on Jürgen Klopp's command. Amiri, Brown and Schade (v.l.) are listening here rather casually, while the new football teacher Jürgen Klopp, already successful in Mainz, Dortmund and Liverpool, has selected 44 young men from Bavaria. The core of his teaching is to apply pressure on an opponent who wins the ball, everywhere and at any time. In less than two weeks he wants to teach them the principle that one should have fun under pressure.
First Nations League Test
There was not much time until the first test, as the match already took place on Thursday evening. The Nations League opening match in the Netherlands ended 1‑1, after Felix Nmecha's opening goal in the 32nd minute was equalised by Cody Gakpo in stoppage time. Klopp noted that the sequences were not yet natural. The accompanying material also refers to the app, whose content is not further explained.
According to Joshua Kimmich, the focus of the lessons was strongly on the defense. Kimmich, moved back into midfield by the coach, explained that a strong focus on pressing and counter‑pressing would build a foundation in two to three days. He has already learned the new vocabulary.
Klopp launches aggressive pressing against the Netherlands in Amsterdam
The captain proved to be a model student: before Nmecha's goal he continued playing unfazed, even though an opponent was lying injured on the ground. Kimmich explained that the lack of a referee interruption made the situation legitimate.
Another controversial incident involved a disallowed goal from Virgil van Dijk. The referee saw a foul on Marc‑André ter Stegen in the video, which made him the provisional number‑one goalkeeper for the German team. Ter Stegen showed, despite some lapses, an overall good performance.
Jürgen Klopp's new era sees Germany fighting in the Nations League
Klopp emphasized that learning counter‑pressing takes time, which is rare in football. He said: “When learning there is the moment when you briefly know which vocabulary you learned in the morning. At noon you still know it, but the next day you look for it more carefully.” It will take time before all national players implement the new guidelines.