Klopp's Germany Stunned by Greece; Xavi Gets First Netherlands Win; Ronaldo Benched
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Jürgen Klopp endured a nightmare home debut as Germany manager, succumbing to a shock 1-0 defeat against Greece in the UEFA Nations League on Monday morning. The loss marked Germany's first-ever defeat to Greece in their history. Simultaneously, Xavi Hernandez celebrated his first victory as Netherlands coach with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against Serbia. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a rare benching, starting from the substitutes' list for the first time in two years of international football, as Portugal edged Norway 2-1.
Key Points
- Germany, under new manager Jürgen Klopp, fell to Greece 1-0 at home in the Nations League, with Greece's Pavlos Gavranis scoring via a deflection in the 74th minute
- This defeat extended Germany's winless streak to two matches under Klopp (one draw, one loss) since his appointment following World Cup disappointment
- The Netherlands, coached by Xavi Hernandez, secured their first win under the Spanish manager with a 2-1 away victory against Serbia
- Cristiano Ronaldo was listed on the bench for the first time in approximately two years of international duty, with Portugal winning 2-1 away at Norway despite goalkeeper Nihat Nirote's error
- Greece surged to the top of Nations League Group A2 with two consecutive wins, while Klopp reflected that defeats can be as valuable as victories if lessons are learned
- England's Thomas Tuchel expressed reluctance to rotate his squad ahead of Tuesday's away match against Czech Republic, quipping he "never answers calls from Premier League managers"
- Italy manager Luciano Spalletti distanced himself from the ongoing Manchester City financial investigation, stating the "dual contract situation is not my problem"
Why It Matters
Klopp's early struggles signal that even elite managers face adjustment periods when inheriting national teams mid-cycle, while Ronaldo's benching marks a symbolic shift in Portugal's generational transition. Tuchel's stubborn stance could expose England to fatigue risks in a crucial Nations League fixture .
Klopp's early struggles signal that even elite managers face adjustment periods when inheriting national teams mid-cycle, while Ronaldo's benching marks a symbolic shift in Portugal's generational transition. Tuchel's stubborn stance could expose England to fatigue risks in a crucial Nations League fixture .