Germany Player Ratings After 1-0 Loss to Greece in UEFA Nations League Under Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp experienced his first loss as Germany's manager after a frustrating 1-0 defeat by Greece during Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League (League A, Group 2) at the SGL Arena. Despite dominating possession with 75.5%, an experimental German squad missing key players like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz struggled to break down Greece's tight defensive setup.

The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Dimitrios Kourbelis scored the winner. This result leaves Germany third in their group with just one point, while Greece tops the standings with a perfect record, ahead of the Netherlands who have four points. Germany’s high defensive line was vulnerable to counter-attacks, and their attack was repeatedly thwarted by Greece’s goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. This match highlighted the challenges Klopp faces in shaping the team.

Goalkeeper and Defence Ratings

• Alexander Nubel: 6/10 – Started the match and earned a 6.3 rating. He wasn’t tested much due to Greece’s limited shots on target but showed composure with distribution. Unfortunately, he was helpless for the goal after a deflection from Joshua Kimmich.
• Nathaniel Brown: 7/10 – One of the more active defenders, rated 6.6 before being subbed off in the 84th minute. Provided steady support down the left flank but his crosses lacked precision.
• Yann Bisseck: 7/10 – Earned 6.8 for his physicality and calmness in defense. Despite an early yellow card, he made a critical block late in the game to prevent a second Greek goal.
• Jonathan Tah: 6/10 – Had a tough night with a 6.2 rating. He was less dominant in aerial duels and often seemed outpaced during quick breaks.
• Josha Vagnoman: 7/10 – Full of energy on the right wing, finished with 7.0. His pressing helped Germany’s early pressure but an unfortunate backheel clearance kept Greece’s attack alive leading to the goal.

Midfield Performances

• Kevin Schade: 7/10 – Rated 6.8 for his tireless work covering ground and linking defense to attack, though he couldn’t unlock Greece’s stubborn midfield before being substituted in the 65th minute.
• Felix Nmecha: 6/10 – Had a quiet game with a 6.4 rating. He kept possession well but failed to provide incisive passes and did not close down Kourbelis effectively before the goal. Subbed in the 84th minute.
• Karim Adeyemi: 7/10 – His pace stretched Greece’s defense, posing a constant threat. He had a great shot saved by Tzolakis in the 31st minute but his final decisions were inconsistent. Left the pitch in the 75th minute.
• Joshua Kimmich: 7/10 – The captain controlled play from midfield but couldn’t deliver the killer pass. Rated 6.6, he was unlucky when his block deflected into the net for the goal.
• Bambase Conte: 7/10 – Made his debut showing moments of skill, earning 6.7. He drifted between the lines and forced a good save from Tzolakis before exiting in the 65th minute.

Attack and Substitutes

• Youssef Ebnoutalib: 6/10 – Frustrated throughout, rated 6.2. He pressed hard but was kept quiet by Greece’s defenders, particularly Konstantinos Mavropanos.
• Jonathan Burkardt: 6/10 – Came on in the 65th minute but struggled to influence the game, finishing with 5.8.
• Florian Wirtz: 6/10 – Entered at 65 minutes to add creativity but was often surrounded, rated 5.8.
• Serge Gnabry: 5/10 – Replaced Adeyemi in the 75th minute. Offered some direct play but committed a costly passing error near the end, reminiscent of a previous mistake against the Netherlands.
• Anton Stach: 6/10 – Came on late at 84 minutes, providing fresh energy with a 6.3 rating.
• Hennes Behrens: 6/10 – Local Augsburg player introduced late, mainly to reinforce the defense during Germany’s late push, earning 6.1.

Manager Review

Jurgen Klopp received a 6/10 rating. His willingness to experiment is notable, but the lack of an effective attacking strategy against Greece’s low block was clear. His substitutions did not alter the flow of the game, resulting in a disappointing home debut defeat.

UEFA Nations League Fixtures

• Germany vs Serbia: 1 Oct 2026, 21:45
• Greece vs Netherlands: 1 Oct 2026, 21:45