Bayern star Tah on Klopp’s debut: „Not everything was perfect…“ | OneFootball

Jürgen Klopp was denied a perfect start in his debut as Germany’s national team coach. Due to Cody Gakpo’s late equalizer, the German national team had to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Jonathan Tah, however, saw many positives in the match.

For the Bayern defender, it wasn’t so much the result that mattered as the way the German national team performed. He noted that the first signs of change were already visible after just a few training sessions under Klopp.

Tah sees progress especially in terms of intensity and commitment. “We really brought some fire to the game. We brought intensity and energy,” the 30-year-old explained to RTL after the match.

Tah: “That was the first step.”

Tah was well aware that not everything would run smoothly in the first game under the new national team coach.

“Not everything was perfect defensively. Not everything was perfect with the ball either,” the center back admitted. The key in Amsterdam, he said, was to demonstrate a fundamental change on the field.

“It was about showing that we want to start presenting a different face on the field,” Tah emphasized, making it clear: “That was the first step.”

In fact, Germany repeatedly relied on aggressive pressing against the Netherlands and tried to put the opponent under pressure early on. Joshua Kimmich also highlighted the intensity and the resulting ball recoveries after the game.

Klopp brings a lot of energy to the sidelines

Photo: IMAGO

However, Tah feels Klopp’s influence not only in terms of tactical approach. The new national team coach’s emotional style also clearly resonates with the players.

“Of course you can feel it when the coach is active from the sidelines and pushing the team,” explained the Bayern player. Klopp has already conveyed this energy during training sessions and in team meetings.

For Tah, this is one of the former Liverpool coach’s greatest qualities. Klopp is “simply someone who can inspire a team and carry them along,” the defender explained, adding: “That definitely helps us.”

From the Bayern star’s perspective, the 1-1 draw in Amsterdam was thus just the beginning of a longer process. Although the first win under Klopp didn’t materialize, Tah already recognizes the direction in which the German team should be heading: more intensity, more energy, and above all, a new look on the field.