Klopp Reflects on Germany's Draw: 'We Can Play Better'
Jürgen Klopp and Xavi drew their first matches as national team managers, with the Netherlands securing a late 1-1 Nations League tie against Germany.
Both Klopp, leading his native Germany, and Barcelona legend Xavi, in charge of the Dutch, managed their first games since their World Cup concluding appointments.
Klopp appeared set for an initial victory until his former Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo scored in added time.
The match was marred by two first-half injuries to key Premier League forwards.
Arsenal's Kai Havertz left the field early in Amsterdam after a high boot to the knee from Quinten Timber. Shortly after, Sunderland's Brian Brobbey, who recently scored a hat-trick against Manchester City, appeared to suffer a muscle injury and was substituted.
Germany took the lead through Felix Nmecha, who scored from close range before halftime, giving Klopp a promising start.
The Dutch pushed for an equalizer. A late substitute, Rúben van Bommel, made history as the third generation of his family to play for the Netherlands, following his father Mark van Bommel and grandfather Bert van Marwijk. He made an impact when it counted, delivering a precise cross in stoppage time for Gakpo to finish.
“We must accept the result,” Klopp stated. “Although I really wanted to win, I'll take the draw.
“There were two good football teams in a similar situation. Both aimed to show that things are not as bad as they are currently perceived. That was evident in the game.
“I was very pleased with many individual performances. Overall, I was happy with the passion we showed. We can play better and with more football, certainly.”
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