Klopp must find new glimmers of hope immediately after two defeats
In the Westfalenstadion in Augsburg a oppressive silence fell after the 0-1 loss to Greece, while Jürgen Klopp had just completed his first home debut as national team coach. Only a few days earlier the German national team in Amsterdam had also failed to convince with a late 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.
First two appearances – a bitter start
The first two internationals under the new national team coach were rather disappointing for the DFB eleven. In Amsterdam the equaliser only came in the closing stages, and the team appeared uncertain for long periods. The following Sunday in Augsburg it worsened, as the Greeks scored the only goal of the evening, ruining Klopp's home debut.
Stefan Matzke photographed the scenes that show that even an experienced coach like Klopp is not a miracle worker who can instantly turn the German selection back into a top nation. After the matches on Thursday in Amsterdam and on Sunday in Augsburg a sour aftertaste remains.
Bright spots despite defeats
Nevertheless there were three players who emerged as winners from the two matches. The 25‑year‑old right‑back Philipp Treu of SC Freiburg impressed in Amsterdam with tireless effort and willingness to run. Treu said after his debut: “I want to show the nation who Philipp Treu from Freiburg is.”
Jürgen Klopp must react after bitter defeat in Augsburg
Another hopeful was centre‑back Yann Bisseck, who plays for Inter Milan. Against Greece he displayed strong positional play, heading power and actively participated in the build‑up, making him stand out as the most positive new addition to the German team.
The third name mentioned is Marvin Ibo Guengoer, whose contribution is not described in detail, but also counts among the players who stood out positively in the first two games.
If Treu maintains his form and Bisseck continues his performances at club level, Klopp could thereby close a defensive issue that has been painful for years. Both players could in the future appear as permanent fixtures in the national team.
Klopp's disappointing home debut in Augsburg gives the Germans hope
After the two defeats the question remains how quickly the German national team can get back to being a genuine top nation. The next appearances will show whether the mentioned bright spots are enough to regain the fans' trust.