Klopp admits Germany can improve after Nations League draw

Jürgen Klopp has admitted his Germany side can improve after a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in the Nations League. The former Liverpool manager, making his debut as national coach, said the result was acceptable but the performance was not yet at the level he expects.

"We began well, but came later really even into trouble," Klopp said. "That can also happen: we are working together on our playing system. I was very satisfied with the passion, the intensity, but we can certainly play better."

The match ended with a late consolation goal from Cody Gakpo, a former Liverpool player, after Ruben van Bommel provided the assist for Serge Gnabry. Klopp noted that Gnabry should have kept running forward, but dismissed the error as nothing catastrophic.

Klopp said the team will evaluate two injuries sustained during the fixture. Jamal Musiala, a midfielder for Bayern Munich, withdrew from the warm-up with a hamstring problem, while Kai Havertz was forced off with a muscle injury. The new coach said both players would undergo MRI scans that night and were "probably out for us," though he hoped they would recover quickly for their clubs.

The draw leaves Germany in a difficult position at the start of the tournament. They are currently in the group that includes the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece. Klopp took over after Germany's early exit from the World Cup in May 2024, ending a period of over two years without a managerial role.

German media were mixed in their assessment. BILD described the start as a mix of disappointment and frustration, while Sky Sport praised goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Ter Stegen, who had not played for Germany in 473 days, made several strong saves in the second half to prevent a Dutch winner.

This result could mean Germany need to regroup quickly before facing Serbia and Greece. Klopp has promised to work on the system, and the players will be looking to bounce back.