Klopp sees no reason for negativity after Germany's setbacks

Germany national team coach Jurgen Klopp watches his players warm up before the UEFA Nations League Group A2 soccer match between Germany and Greece, at WWK Arena. (is associated with: «Klopp sees no reason for negativity after Germany's setbacks») Federico Gambarini/dpaJürgen Klopp has refused to be hit by a resurgent wave of negativity after two setbacks in his first two games as Germany coach.

>Following a disappointing last-32 exit from this year's World Cup, Klopp replaced Julian Nagelsmann. But he didn't have the dreamy start many expected, and a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands last week and a 1-0 defeat to Greece on Sunday might have dampened the good mood.

>"If the euphoria is gone now, I'm sorry about that. There's no reason for me to fall into depression now and say, 'We're really that bad after all.' We're not," Klopp said after the match against Greece.

>However, he admitted: "But we're also not yet as good as we'd like to be."

>"I knew beforehand that German football isn't currently in the best shape it's ever been in, and that Jürgen Klopp isn't going to come by and simply solve all the problems with a quick touch of his hand. If anyone didn’t know that, they know it now."

>Klopp took responsibility for the poor start to the Nations League and addressed the media directly: "If you want to take it out on someone or criticize someone along the way, take it out on me. Take it out on me and leave the guys alone."

>"Steps are never big enough. It's never fast enough. But in the end, there will be a moment in the near future when we're ready to be a tougher opponent," he added.

>Not only the newcomers need support, but also the established players, Klopp said.

>"These are top players from top clubs. They don’t have to wear sackcloth and ashes."