Klopp's record-breaking start as national coach with a point against the Netherlands
On Sunday, Jürgen Klopp faced his first match as head coach of Germany, but he could only earn one point against the Netherlands and then suffer a defeat to Greece – a historically poor start of two internationals without a win in the first week of his tenure.
Klopp's historic start
The sole point that Jürgen Klopp earned in his first two internationals as head coach of Germany came against the Netherlands. With that point and the subsequent defeat to Greece, he has recorded the worst start ever in German football history.
German media emphasized that no head coach of the European powerhouse had ever completed two internationals without a win. Klopp therefore becomes the third manager to break this record, while his predecessors, Sepp Herberger and Helmut Schön, each managed to collect two points in their first two matches.
Comparison with Herberger and Schön
Sepp Herberger led Germany from 1936 to 1942 and from 1950 to 1964. Under his guidance, the first two internationals in 1936 and 1937 ended in a 2‑2 draw against Italy and against the Netherlands. He then recorded ten consecutive victories and guided the team to the 1954 World Cup.
Germany faces relegation in Nations League after Klopp's first defeat
Helmut Schön succeeded Herberger and remained active until the 1978 World Cup. His first two matches also ended in a 1‑1 draw, this time against Sweden and Italy. He then made history with a European title in 1972 and a world title in 1974, and held the record for the most World Cup matches (25) until 2026.
This record was surpassed in 2026 by Didier Deschamps of France. Deschamps achieved that milestone during the final tournament of 2026.
Outlook for the Netherlands in the Nations League
After the disappointing World Cup, the Dutch national team faces the next challenge: the Nations League 2026/27. In the group stage, the Netherlands will meet Germany, Serbia and Greece, bringing the clash with Klopp’s side back onto the agenda.
Jürgen Klopp in the crossfire: Greek jubilation, German disappointment
For more details about the tournament, the schedule and the group standings, the site points to a dedicated Nations League page, while VI PRO offers extensive stories about the Dutch national team for subscribers.