Germany head coach, Jurgen Klopp, has called for patience as he seeks to rebuild the national team following a series of disappointing performances at major tournaments, insisting that the squad possesses sufficient quality to compete at the highest level.
Klopp, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann in the summer, took charge after Germany suffered a last-32 elimination at the 2026 World Cup in the hands of Paraguay.
The defeat marked the country’s third consecutive early exit from the tournament, following their group-stage failures in 2018 and 2022.
Speaking in Belgrade on Thursday ahead of Germany’s Nations League encounter against Serbia on Friday, the former Liverpool manager rejected suggestions that the team lacked talented players, expressing confidence in the squad’s composition and potential.
“It is very often said that German football is lacking in many areas – including the number of good players, great talents, world-class players, and so on,” said Klopp.
“But I have a super positive outlook on this team. To be honest, we have a very good mix.”
The 59-year-old acknowledged that Germany must demonstrate its quality on the pitch, stressing that he remained optimistic about the team’s prospects despite the challenges ahead.
Klopp said, “I am not naive or wide-eyed – we’re genuinely very good… we just need to make that visible, to translate it onto the pitch.”
Reflecting on his rebuilding approach, Klopp also urged the public to give him sufficient time to implement his plans, drawing parallels with his earlier tenure at Liverpool, where he sought to transform the club’s fortunes.
“I have to allow myself the time,” Klopp said Thursday, but added: “if this suits the public, that’s not something I can control.
“We are on the right path – though we are, of course, still a long way from the end. The foundation, however, is genuinely good.”
Klopp also expressed confidence in Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz, who has recently enjoyed improved performances following a difficult start to his career at the English club after his big-money move in 2025.
“Flo (Wirtz) is in top condition. He can be an immense help to us,” Klopp said.
Wirtz, who has shown signs of improvement under Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, has registered three assists in his last four Premier League appearances and scored his first league goal of the season in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old former Bayer Leverkusen star could make his 50th appearance for Germany when the team faces its next assignment in Berlin on Monday.
Wirtz said he was encouraged by the team’s progress under Klopp, adding that he was ready to assume greater responsibility within the young squad.
“I feel like we’ve gelled even better and solidified the things we’ve been working on in training. It comes down to bringing will, conviction, and passion onto the pitch,” Wirtz said Thursday.
