Tah: Germany prepared to 'walk through fire' for new boss Klopp
Jonathan Tah has praised Jurgen Klopp’s immediate impact as Germany coach, saying the players are ready to “walk through fire” together under their new boss.
Klopp’s first game in charge ended in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, with Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time equaliser denying the former Liverpool boss a winning start.
The 59-year-old is now preparing for his first home game at WWK Arena, where Germany face Greece in the second match of their Nations League campaign.
Germany were perhaps fortunate to escape with a point against the Netherlands. Xavi, also making his international coaching debut, oversaw a dominant second-half display from the Oranje.
| Team | Shots | Expected goals |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 14 | 2.6 |
| Germany | 5 | 0.2 |
Despite that difficult opening assignment, Tah believes Klopp is the right man to take Germany forward, pointing to his success with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
“It’s the experience he brings from every club, that mix of fun and passion, that absolute will to win, and also the way he brings the team along. He can really fire us up,” Tah said.
“I think after our initial meeting, everyone walked out thinking, ‘Okay, we’re ready to walk through fire together now’.”
“He just has this ability to galvanise a team. We’ve seen that in the past too. That’s something he does exceptionally well, and I think that’s why he’s been so successful.”
Tah backs Wirtz to rediscover his spark
Tah also defended Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, who has faced criticism following a string of underwhelming performances this season.
Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt have joined the Germany squad one game earlier than expected, replacing Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala after both sustained injuries against the Netherlands.
At club level, Wirtz has registered one assist in six appearances across all competitions. His 12 chances created, however, are the third-highest total in Andoni Iraola’s squad.
The former Bayer Leverkusen forward has yet to reproduce his Bundesliga form, but Tah is confident he will find his feet.
“I find it pretty extreme the way he’s been attacked,” Tah said. “I know the kind of player he is and that he’s going to shine even more.
“I know what he’s capable of and, eventually, everyone will understand.”
