Stumble start for national side, Matthäus slams Klopp and three stars
After a stumbling start, Matthäus sharply criticises Jürgen Klopp. The German national team secured a 1‑1 draw in the Netherlands, but against Greece it had to suffer a 0‑1 defeat on Sunday – performances that the 65‑year‑old former captain described as far below expectations in this match.
Looking at the results so far, Jürgen Klopp's start as head coach leaves much to be desired. The German national team secured a 1‑1 draw in the Netherlands, but against Greece a disappointing 0‑1 loss followed. Lothar Matthäus wrote in his Sky column: “The performance of the national team on Sunday was far from what was hoped for.” He added: “On the other hand, I do not only expect a certain level of performance from Klopp, but also from the players.”
Matthäus' Criticism of the DFB Stars
The record international points out that three DFB stars have so far not rediscovered the form they have at their clubs. Karim Adeyemi, after his rocket start at FC Barcelona, has the right to score a goal from chances he most recently converted at Barca. Felix Nmecha, on the other hand, was described as “circle‑ready” for his duelling behaviour in the 0‑1 loss to Greece.
Another target is Joshua Kimmich, whose style of play in the national team jersey does not match his performance in Munich. Matthäus asks: “Why does Joshua Kimmich not play for the national team the way he does in Munich? Kimmich has teammates at world‑class level there, such as Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz.” However, he emphasises his confidence: “I definitely trust him.”
DFB team XXL experiment burdens Klopp after a failed debut
Klopp's Squad Decision and Kimmich's Role
Klopp decided to leave the Bayern captain out of the upcoming matches against Serbia on Thursday and Greece on Sunday. Matthäus criticises this decision and says a TV expert would have placed Kimmich in the second squad of the XXL international match period. Joshua Kimmich remains the DFB captain, but now departs from the national team. Matthäus stresses: “The captain is the player who, alongside the coach, shares responsibility for the team.”
Matthäus demands that Kimmich be kept in the squad for all four games so that the newcomers can learn from the captain. He explains: “I would have kept him in the squad for all four matches so that the newcomers also get to know him.” The former world champion also praises Kimmich as an tireless leader: “Whether he trains or plays in Munich, Kimmich is always on fire. He is the absolute leader of this national team, which he has earned over years and a decade.”
Klopp under pressure after Germany's defeat to Greece
The contrast between Matthäus' high expectations and Klopp's cautious squad policy highlights the growing tension surrounding the future direction of the German national team. While the coach focuses on tactical adjustments, the former captain demands consistent performance from his stars.