Klopp Defends Ter Stegen After Germany Draw Criticism

Jürgen Klopp has backed Marc-André ter Stegen after criticism followed Germany’s 1-1 Nations League draw with the Netherlands, insisting the goalkeeper’s contribution was decisive in preserving a point.

Speaking before his first home match in charge at Augsburg’s WWK Arena, Klopp said he was surprised by the reaction to ter Stegen’s display. He noted that Netherlands coach Xavi had also acknowledged the importance of the goalkeeper’s saves.

Quick facts

• Germany drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in Thursday’s Nations League match.
• Alexander Nübel is due to start against Greece.
• Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz are unavailable through injury.
• Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt have returned to the squad.
• Germany will travel by bus on matchday to maximise recovery time in Herzogenaurach.

Klopp accepted that ter Stegen had two moments in possession he would have preferred to handle differently, but said such errors can occur. His overall verdict was strongly positive, stressing that the goalkeeper had made outstanding interventions and should not be judged solely on those passages of play.

There will nevertheless be a change for the Greece fixture, with Beşiktaş goalkeeper Alexander Nübel set for an opportunity. Klopp said the plan had been made in advance and was not a response to ter Stegen’s performance against the Netherlands.

The manager said Nübel had earned the start on merit and hoped he could enjoy the occasion and keep a clean sheet. The international window is also being used to assess the wider goalkeeping options, including 28-year-old Finn Dahmen.

Germany must do without Musiala, who has suffered a muscle-fibre tear, while Arsenal forward Havertz is ruled out by a strain. Wirtz and Burkardt have been brought back into the group as attacking cover.

The match carries added significance after Greece won in Serbia, leaving Germany with an opportunity to move towards first place in their Nations League section. Klopp expects a demanding contest, describing Greece’s current group as a golden generation.

Germany’s preparations have also been altered, with the squad staying at its Herzogenaurach base until the day of the game before taking the bus to Augsburg. Klopp believes avoiding an extra night of packing and travelling will give his players the best possible recovery ahead of the WWK Arena fixture.