Jürgen Klopp made his debut appearance as Germany’s national team manager, squeezing out a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. Germany looked incredible for the first 10 minutes and eventually got the opening goal in the 32nd minute, thanks to Felix Nmecha.
Then Xavi’s Dutch side settled into the game and forced Marc-André ter Stegen into nine saves. Unfortunately, Ter Stegen was unable to make a tenth save in stoppage time that would have kept the clean sheet and handed Klopp an opening win.
In his
postgame interview (via @iMiaSanMia), Klopp remained optimistic in his critique.
“It mostly felt good, but I managed over 1000 games in my career – so it was nothing new,” said Klopp. “Two very good football teams in a similar situation. We got off to a good start – and then we had real problems. When the system isn’t yet in place and the processes aren’t yet established, then something like this happens. I was very pleased with the passion, the intensity, but we can definitely play better.”
After successful spells at Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool, Klopp is no stranger to roaming the sidelines. While this is his first international gig, odds are heavier on a success story rather than a flop.
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