“We don’t have a Messi, an Mbappé or a Haaland, but..." – Matthäus gives his verdict on Klopp's Germany

Jürgen Klopp’s first international break as Germany coach ended with five points from four games.

Following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Greece, Lothar Matthäus gave his verdict on the team’s performances and prospects, arguing that while the points tally is not satisfying, there is still something to build on.

“The Greeks can be more satisfied with the result than the Germans. In the first half, there were some nice combinations — quick, fluid, with the positions occupied and good runs. In the second half, it was an even game. At times, the final pass or the finish was missing. The team has to learn to make the right decision in the final moment,” Matthäus said in his role as an RTL pundit.

“You could see that the team wants to play, that they enjoy themselves and have fun together on the pitch — even if things didn’t work as well in the second half. We can’t be satisfied with five points from four games. It will be a difficult path to finish in one of the top two places. But what Klopp saw in these four games is what he wanted to see. He can build on that,” the Germany legend added.

Several pundits have suggested during the international break that Germany lack a genuine world-class player. While Matthäus agrees that Klopp does not have one of the game’s absolute superstars at his disposal, he believes the squad is still packed with high-quality players capable of making a difference at the highest level.

“We don’t have an average team. We don’t have a Messi, an Mbappé or a Haaland, but we do have difference-makers at a very high international level. Other teams also struggle against well-organised, defensive sides,” Matthäus said.

The German players will now return to their clubs, with the next international break coming in November, when they are set to face Serbia and the Netherlands.