Klopp takes full blame as Germany suffer first ever defeat to Greece in Nations League

Jurgen Klopp has accepted personal responsibility for Germany’s 1-0 Nations League defeat to Greece, a result that marked the first time in history the two nations have met with Greece coming out on top.

Dimitrios Kourbelis, introduced as a substitute, scored the only goal in the 74th minute to compound a difficult start to Klopp’s tenure. The former Liverpool manager had drawn 1-1 with the Netherlands in his opening game and now sits winless through two matches since replacing Julian Nagelsmann following the World Cup.

“The lineup, the formation, the many changes — that is all 100% down to me,” Klopp told broadcaster ARD after the final whistle. He made five changes to the starting XI from the Netherlands game, and while Germany dominated possession, they created little of note — Karim Adeyemi’s first-half effort, saved by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, was their most meaningful attempt on goal.

Despite the result, Klopp framed the setback as an expected part of a longer rebuilding project. “It’s part of the process, absolutely,” he said. In a separate interview with UEFA, he added: “Drawing this game tonight, I could have easily taken it, but losing — that’s harsh. I don’t think we deserved that, but it happened anyway, and here we are. Greece had a plan for the game tonight. We have to be more convinced about what we are doing.”

Klopp also signalled that rotation will remain a feature of his approach as Germany prepare to face Serbia next. “We’ll change the squad, change the team,” he said. “The good thing is that the other team doesn’t necessarily know how we’re going to play, but we don’t know right now how we’re going to play, because we have to bring that group together again. We can take a lot out of this game, and we will do that.”

Defender Jonathan Tah echoed his manager’s measured tone, acknowledging the squad’s disappointment while urging unity. “To be honest, we simply didn’t perform well enough,” Tah said. “Of course we’re disappointed and angry when we lose a match. But the important thing is that we stick together. That won’t change, the euphoria around the new coach.”