Thomas Helmer sees no progress from Jürgen Klopp after defeat

Former European champion Thomas Helmer criticises the still‑young era of Jürgen Klopp with the German national team after the 0‑1 defeat in the Nations League against Greece last Sunday in Augsburg, stating that he sees no progress towards the World Cup. He complains that the players have not yet internalised the concept he conveyed.

Criticism after defeat to Greece

"My impression is that the lads have not yet internalised what Jürgen wants to give them," Thomas Helmer says after the match. He emphasises that he sees no progress towards the World Cup. Helmer adds that the sheer will to control the game with full power was missing.

According to Helmer, the DFB players played "properly, shuffling the ball back and forth", but they created only few goal chances. With this he confirms that the German side currently does not belong among the best teams in the world.

One reason for this, Helmer says, is the lack of a solid axis from goalkeeper through a centre‑back and central midfielder to the striker. Without this framework no team can function, and Jürgen Klopp would need it as well.

Helmer also criticises the basics, especially in one‑on‑one duels, where the Germans, according to his statement, have poor statistics. He sees this as another obstacle to success.

Klopp tries to give everything, but Helmer notes: "You can see that it doesn't all happen at once". The former international sees no immediate improvement.

The stark contrast between Helmer's harsh assessment and Klopp's tireless effort highlights that the German national team still has a long way to go before it counts among the world elite again.