Jurgen Klopp made his long-awaited return to the dugout on Thursday as he took charge of Germany's Nations League game against Netherlands, and it appears he is already making an impact on his new team. The 59-year-old was appointed as Germany's new head coach in July after Julian Nagelsmann was sacked following a disappointing World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss assumed the position in August, signing a four-year contract until 2030.
Mixed fortunes in Amsterdam
It was an evening of mixed fortunes for the ex-Liverpool manager, who watched on as a stoppage-time equaliser from Cody Gakpo ensured his side were held to a 1-1 draw. Felix Nmecha had given Germany a first-half lead in Amsterdam, and it seemed as though Klopp's men were going to hold on for a debut win. However, Gakpo haunted his former coach with a 92nd-minute leveller.
Away from Gakpo's goal, one of the most entertaining moments from the game came when Klopp appeared to trigger a full-team press with one single hand movement. Just as Jan Paul van Hecke prepared to receive the ball from Denzel Dumfries inside the Netherlands half, Klopp waved his hand to signal the Germany players to press. His players duly responded to Klopp's demand as all 10 outfielders pushed up to charge down Xavi's new-look Netherlands side, who were content to keep the ball.
Viral moment and fan reaction
It was a moment that soon went viral on social media, with one fan commenting: "First game and Klopp already invoking his demonic pressing," while a second said: "He literally used the force." A third wrote: "The Klopp-effect," and a fourth put: "Klopp heavy metal is SO BACK."
Although a point in his first game in charge is nothing to be sniffed at, Klopp cut a disappointed figure post-match as he reflected on his debut in the Germany dugout. "A difficult game against a fantastic team with a great coach," said Klopp. "You want to win these games but we knew before whatever result we get we will have to work with it. In a parallel world, if somebody tells you in this group you get a draw in Holland, you would say: 'I'd take that'. We lost two points."
Next steps for Germany
"We only scratched the surface. We have to go deeper. Everybody felt we already found a good way to build a proper group with these players and next week with some other players." Germany are next in action when they host Greece on Sunday in Klopp's first home match. They then face Serbia in another home game before travelling to take on Greece again.
