Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp spoke to the media on Wednesday evening ahead of the national team's opening Nations League 2026/27 match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday. Here are the key points from Klopp's press conference.
Jürgen Klopp says about his debut: “There is positive tension, but we've done so much over the past few days that we haven't had time to get nervous. I have positive memories of this stadium, and I'm looking forward to the game, the atmosphere and everything that's coming. I'm very satisfied with how the first few days have gone here.”
Klopp says about the players: “Everyone is in great shape and positive, because there haven't been any negative experiences yet. We're going straight into a competitive match, without a friendly. We'll be able to—and will have to—deal with whatever result comes our way. Everyone was happy to receive the call-up to the national team, whether they are established players or newcomers. They all want to embark on this journey.”
Klopp says about the team's approach: “What I can promise is that you'll be able to see that we want it. Recently, the impression has emerged that we are not as good as other countries. But it's also an opportunity when something isn't working. I'm responsible for making sure that, with the senior national team, we influence the game of football in such a way that we have a good chance of winning every match. We have to start doing that. I hope we'll be able to see it tomorrow. Where that will lead us, I don't know. Whether we're among the teams capable of challenging for the next title, I don't know.”
Klopp says about the difference between club and international football: “The difference isn't that big, but we have much more time pressure. It's very intense in such a short period of time; you would never do this at a club. It's everything you do at a club, but compressed into a very small window of time. Developing something takes time, but taking steps forward requires a willingness to do so. The boys have that willingness. We'll see where it takes us.”
Klopp says about the tactics: “All the players are coming off a preseason, and they all look very fit. I have the great advantage of seeing the players in their absolute comfort zone, which is football. But they are outstanding talents in every aspect. The problem in football is that other countries have those kinds of players too. It's not about who has the best players; it's about who can organise themselves in a way that makes the opponent's strengths less visible.
The way we organise our games could perhaps help the players become the best versions of themselves. All of these players have relatively often overperformed for their clubs. Now you could ask when that will happen with the national team. One approach is to try to make that happen more often. We're working on finding a way to achieve that together—to create more of those days when they can surpass themselves.”
Klopp says about the rivalry with the Netherlands: “It doesn't mean anything to me personally. I know about it, but I've never felt it myself. I know what's at stake in the game, and at best, the atmosphere in the stadium tomorrow will be heated. It will be a difficult match because the opponent is really good, has huge talents and produces top players year after year.”