Stefan Effenberg warns Klopp, players must suffer national team result
In the Toumba‑Stadion in Thessaloniki, Stefan Effenberg looks on with a serious expression at Jürgen Klopp and the German players who were criticised after the goalless 0‑0 draw against Greece in the Nations League match. The former international challenges the coach, because the upcoming squad decisions could become painful.
First four Nations League matches and points
The columnist emphasizes that his view on the subject is subjective and no one is obliged to follow it. Nevertheless, it can provoke thought. Effenberg makes clear that his opinion does not constitute an official analysis of the DFB.
Under Jürgen Klopp, the German national team has made history in the first four Nations League fixtures. Against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia, the team collected five points. According to Effenberg, the first three appearances were still erratic and not very convincing.
Outlook: squad decisions and upcoming matches
The goalless 0‑0 on Sunday in Thessaloniki is considered by Effenberg as a turning point. Despite the heated atmosphere and passionate Greek fans, the “new” Germany displayed its best performance so far of the Klopp era. Nevertheless, the deserved three points were missing. The man who led the team was Jürgen Klopp.
The pressure was high: another defeat would have made progression to the next round impossible. Given the circumstances, with only a few joint training sessions, the squad convinced, even though the result did not deliver the three points they deserved.
Now Klopp faces the next tough task: the selection for the away match in Serbia and the final game against the Netherlands in Berlin. He must infer from the impressions so far which players are suitable for the last two internationals of the year.
Klopp has already announced that he will not call up 44 names again. Instead, he may have to drop about 14 to 16 players, which will bring disappointment to many who were in the squad for the first time.
Effenberg highlights that Klopp repeatedly embraced, patted and encouraged his players during the four Nations League matches – a style that some love. This personal approach is meant to strengthen confidence, although it can be criticised.
The columnist warns young players who have not yet taken part in such international encounters that they may be left out of the games against Serbia and the Netherlands in November. At the same time, he sees it as an opportunity to overturn the decision through club performances.
After the 0‑0 in Greece, Klopp emphasized that the door to the national team remains open for everyone. However, he rules out that new names will be used in the next two matches, as that would make no sense.
The 44 players form the long‑term basis from which a cohesive core is intended to develop. It now depends both on the coach and on the players and their club coaches to shape this group into a functional team.