Schweinsteiger: Germany no longer a top team after Greece defeat

Bastian Schweinsteiger, the former Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder, said Germany are no longer a top side after their 0-1 home defeat by Greece in the Nations League. Joshua Kimmich has since responded to the remarks.

Dimitrios Kourbelis scored the only goal on 74 minutes in the second round of fixtures. It was the first defeat under Jürgen Klopp. His debut as coach, against the Netherlands, finished 1-1, so Germany are still without a win under him.

"We are no longer a top team. From now on we are just an average team. We no longer have players who can make a difference. Even Greece have Karetsas, Tzolis, Pavlidis – for me these are players who can make a difference. I hope Klopp will be able to build a team that plays Klopp's football," Schweinsteiger said.

The reports do not give the words of Kimmich's reply.

Germany host Serbia on Thursday 1 October. If the team fails to win that game, the debate over Klopp's squad may sharpen before he has had much time to work with it.