Following Germany's 0-1 defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League, Matthäus stated in his column for Sky Germany that the team's performance fell far short of expectations, and the players share responsibility as well. He believes Germany still has a chance to reach the semi-finals, but he is puzzled by one of Jürgen Klopp's personnel decisions.

Jürgen Klopp said after the match: "A bad start is better than a bad finish. We're doing the right things, but we have very little time for these few games." Matthäus responded: "Germany's performance on Sunday was far removed from the level we expect, but I don't want performance only from Jürgen Klopp, but also from the players."

On Jürgen Klopp's Post-Match Comments

Matthäus said: "There's one sentence I don't quite agree with. He said, 'In the first 15 minutes of the second half, we showed what we want to play.' If the team's coordination worked in those 15 minutes, why couldn't it work in the remaining 75 minutes? Jürgen Klopp has players in his squad who perform brilliantly at the highest club level."

On Player Performance

Matthäus said: "I don't want to single anyone out specifically, but did Adeyemi attack and score goals the way he does at Barcelona when playing against the Netherlands and Greece? He can choose to attack, but he should also score from chances he converted into goals at Barcelona. Did Félix Nmecha perform at the level he showed at Borussia Dortmund? Before conceding that goal, his defensive work was at regional amateur league level only."

On J. Kimmich

Matthäus commented: "Why doesn't he perform for Germany the way he does for FC Bayern Munich? At FC Bayern Munich, he has world-class teammates like Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz. He plays a crucial role for FC Bayern Munich, but hasn't done the same for Germany. However, I firmly believe he has the ability to do it."

Jürgen Klopp's system resembles FC Bayern Munich's, and his demands on players are similar to their club coach's. So I don't blame just the head coach. The players bear responsibility too. They have the ability and experience, but if they can't show it, the team won't function properly. Greece defended well, and we couldn't find a solution. Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich regularly face opponents who sit deep defensively, so why can't our players find solutions for the German national team when they do at their clubs?"

On the UEFA Nations League

Matthäus said: "Especially considering Germany's disappointing performances in previous World Cups and Euros, we must not forget that the UEFA Nations League is also an important competition, and we still have a chance to reach the semi-finals. Jürgen Klopp said, 'A bad start is better than a bad finish,' but what does this 'finish' mean? Is it the European Championship in two years, the World Cup in four years, or a turnaround in this Nations League if we win the next four games?"

"Germany's players play for better clubs and have higher market values, yet we still lost to Greece. Since winning the European Championship in 2004, they haven't achieved much. Similar situations occurred in previous World Cups against Paraguay or Ecuador. Players must find solutions on the pitch. The demands Jürgen Klopp has on players are standard practice; I experienced that throughout my 20-year playing career. Running and winning duels are basic requirements. Playing intelligently and finding solutions are the players' own responsibility."

On Germany's Squad Composition

Matthäus noted: "We have many excellent players, but currently some positions lack individuals who can make a decisive impact at the highest level, as Brehme, Lahm, or Klose once did."

On Jürgen Klopp's Decision to Call Up Two Separate Squads

Matthäus said: "I'll say it again: I agree with Jürgen Klopp's approach of calling up two different squads. But there's one thing I don't understand: J. Kimmich is not only captain of the first 22-player squad but also captain of the second group that gathered at Herzogenaurach on Monday. I would keep him in the squad for all four games so the newly selected players get to know him. Because besides the coach, the captain also has responsibility to the team. Whether in training or matches in Munich, J. Kimmich is always committed. He is an undisputed leader of this German team. A status he has held for many years, even decades."

Looking Ahead to the Next Two Matches

Matthäus concluded: "Players need to relieve themselves of their burdens. Saïd Malla must show the form he displays at Cologne, and Lennart Kalle must return to the form he showed when he first arrived at Munich. Some players are just returning from injury, and some are going through difficult periods. So we can't expect miracles overnight, but the talent Germany's players possess gives me hope."

"Everything is still possible, and we still have opportunities. The head coach must lead the revamped team to results in the upcoming matches. But if Germany ultimately fails to reach the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, we will have to review what went wrong."

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