A delighted Jürgen Klopp expressed his satisfaction with Germany’s performance after his side secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Serbia in the Nations League, highlighting the team’s aggressive pressing, defensive organisation and attacking confidence.
Speaking after the final whistle on Thursday evening, the Germany coach praised his players’ work without the ball and explained how effective their counter-pressing had been throughout the match.
“I told the lads before the game: I've coached a few matches in my life – and I've never seen a game that was bad when the counter-pressing went through the roof. And the counter-pressing went through the roof today,” Klopp said on ZDF.
The German side controlled the match from the beginning, creating several opportunities after winning possession back in dangerous areas. However, despite their dominance, they had to wait until the 39th minute for Tom Bischof to break the deadlock.
“We don't want to get carried away now, but we had a very good opening spell and could have scored a few more goals from winning the ball back … The balls we played were crazy,” Klopp added.
The coach also praised the courage shown by his players in attacking situations, especially in the build-up to the opening goal.
“The whole positioning in the penalty area is unbelievable. That's what it's about, that we have the courage,” Klopp said.
Explaining the importance of counter-pressing in his football philosophy, he added: “We can allow ourselves all the freedom, all the boldness, every risk, if we win the ball back together.”
Bischof, who scored his first goal for Germany in only his second international appearance, joked about his celebration afterwards.
“My knees already hurt from the knee slide. But I'll take that, it was an indescribable feeling,” the Bayern midfielder said.
Klopp also highlighted the performance of Germany’s defence, particularly centre-backs Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw.
“The last line defended superbly on the front foot. Off the ball it was outstanding and on the ball we simply played wonderful football,” said the 59-year-old coach.
Florian Wirtz then added Germany’s second goal shortly after the hour mark, producing another impressive individual moment after assisting Bischof’s opener. The result marked Klopp’s first win as Germany coach.
“If you defend compactly, then you can put footballers on the pitch. The mix of football and attitude was top today. That has to be our benchmark. That's what we want,” Klopp said.
Although Klopp acknowledged that Serbia, who were Germany’s weakest opponents so far in the group, did not fully test his team in some areas, he insisted that Germany’s attacking approach could work against stronger opposition as well.
“Our attacking moves with the counter-pressing are possible against any opponent,” Klopp said.
Germany will now face a tougher challenge on Sunday when they travel to Greece for the return fixture. Greece, who defeated Germany 1-0 in Augsburg last weekend, drew 2-2 with the Netherlands on Thursday and currently lead Nations League A Group 2 with seven points from three matches. Germany sit third with four points.