After Germany's 0-1 defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League, Matthäus stated in his Sky Sports Deutschland column that the team's performance fell far short of expectations, but emphasized that players must also take responsibility. He believes Germany still has a chance to reach the quarter-finals, though he expressed puzzlement at one of Klopp's squad selection decisions.

After the match, Klopp said, "A bad start is better than a bad ending. We are doing the right things, but we don't have much time for the remaining matches." On this, Matthäus commented: "Sunday's performance from Germany fell far short of what we expected. But I demand high performance not only from Klopp but also from the players."

Discussing Klopp's Post-Match Comments

Matthäus said, "There's one sentence I don't agree with. He said, 'In the first 15 minutes of the second half, we showed what we wanted to play.' If the team could show that kind of cohesion in those 15 minutes, why not in the remaining 75 minutes? Klopp has players at his disposal who show top-level performances at their clubs."

On the Players' Performances

Matthäus said, "I don't want to blame individuals, but did Adeyemi break through and shoot against the Netherlands and Greece the way he does at Barcelona? He could choose to break through, but he also had chances at Barcelona recently that should have resulted in goals. Did Félix Nmecha play at the level he shows at Borussia Dortmund? Until that goal he conceded, his defensive performance was barely amateur league standard."

Speaking About Joshua Kimmich

Matthäus said, "Why can't he play for Germany the way he does at Bayern Munich? At Bayern, he has world-class teammates like Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz. He's played a decisive role at Bayern, but hasn't yet shown that for Germany. But I completely believe in his ability.

Klopp's system is similar to Bayern's, and what he demands from players is similar to what their club coaches demand. That's why I don't hold only the coach responsible. The players also bear responsibility. They have the quality and experience, but if they don't show it, the team can't function properly. Greece defended very well, and we couldn't find a solution. Barcelona and Bayern often face opponents who sit deep defensively, so why can our players find solutions at their clubs but not for Germany?"

Speaking About the UEFA Nations League

Matthäus said, "Considering Germany's poor results in recent World Cups and European Championships, the UEFA Nations League is also an important competition, and we must not forget that we still have a chance to reach the quarter-finals. Klopp said, 'A bad start is better than a bad ending.' But what does this 'ending' mean? The European Championship in two years, the World Cup in four years, or turning things around in this Nations League if we win the next four matches?

German players play at better clubs and have higher market values, yet we still lost to Greece. They haven't achieved anything significant since winning the 2004 European Championship. Similar situations occurred in previous World Cups against Paraguay and Ecuador. Players must find solutions on the pitch. What Klopp demands from his players is something I commonly saw during my 20 years as a player. Running and winning physical battles are basic requirements; playing intelligently and finding solutions are the players' own responsibility."

On Germany's Squad Composition

Matthäus said, "We have many excellent players, but in some positions we currently lack players who can play at the highest level and make decisive contributions like Ballack, Lahm, and Klose did in the past."

On Klopp's Decision to Split the Squad into Two Groups

Matthäus said, "Again, I agree with the way Klopp is calling up two squads. But there's one thing I don't understand. Joshua Kimmich is not only captain of the first group of 22 players but is also captain of the second group that gathered Monday in Herzogenaurach. I would include him in all four matches so that the newly called-up players can also know him. Because the captain, like the coach, bears responsibility for the team. Whether training or playing at Munich, Joshua Kimmich is always full of passion. He is an undisputed leader of this Germany team, a status earned over years, even decades."

Looking Ahead to the Next Two Matches

Matthäus said, "The players need to shake off the pressure. Saïd Serrano must show his ability at Cologne, and Leroy Sané must rediscover the form he showed when he first arrived at Munich. Some players have just returned from injury, and some are going through difficult spells, so we can't expect immediate miracles. But the quality of Germany's players gives me hope.

Everything is still possible. We still have a chance. The coach must lead the restructured squad and deliver results in the upcoming matches. But if Germany ultimately fails to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, we will have to review what went right and what went wrong."

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