Germany’s 2-0 win over Serbia gave Klopp the benchmark he demanded. Is this the foundation you were hoping for?
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Klopp’s reign started with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, before his side were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at home against Greece in the new head coach’s second outing. However, he finally got off the mark thanks to a comfortable victory over the Balkan nation, with this also the first game for the second of his two squads selected for this international break.
“This performance must now be the baseline. This will go into my archives, so we can show the lads how it can be done,” he said after full-time. “I told the lads before the match that I’ve never seen a bad game when the counter-pressing is on fire – and it was today. I’m satisfied with everything: the start, the middle, and the finish. We had a very good opening phase and could have scored more goals from the ball recoveries.”
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Klopp believes the display against Serbia “must be the baseline”. – Alexander Hassenstein –>
He praised the courage shown for the opening strike and the way the back line owned the box. Freedom comes when we win the ball together, and the defense surged forward brilliantly.
Bayern’s Tom Bischof stole the spotlight, netting his first senior goal just before halftime and constantly troubling the opposition—a sign he could be a long‑term asset.
Bischof told reporters, “The stadium was on fire today. It was pure fun, especially with the support we felt.”
Wirtz (left) and Bischof (right) shone for Germany. – Alex Grimm. For my money, their partnership will drive the team forward.
“From the first minute we attacked, created countless chances and could have added another goal or two. Scoring near the South Stand felt amazing, and I hope it continues,” he said.
Florian Wirtz thrived in Klopp’s setup, slotting Germany’s second goal and orchestrating play. “It was incredibly fun; we gave everything, stuck to the plan and moved the midfield beautifully,” he explained.
“Everyone wanted to play football today, which let us shine. Captaining the second half filled me with pride, yet I kept pushing to seal the win,” he added.
Now off the mark, Klopp will aim for a second straight win in Thessaloniki against Greece on Sunday at 8.45 pm CEST, leaving fans optimistic as his tenure’s first chapter closes.