Jurgen Klopp claimed his first win as Germany head coach as his side beat Serbia 2-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.
Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz scored in Munich to give Germany a much needed victory after a difficult start under Klopp.
Germany had drawn 1-1 with the Netherlands before suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Greece. Klopp was therefore still searching for his first win going into his third match.
Another draw or defeat would have made him the first Germany coach to go without a win in his opening three games. Klopp made major changes against Serbia and named a completely new starting eleven. Jonas Urbig, Derry Scherhant and Vitaly Janelt all made their Germany debuts.
Germany controlled much of the first half and created several chances. They finally took the lead shortly before the break. Wirtz worked his way through the Serbia defence and struck the post. The ball fell to Bischof, who fired home the rebound.
Germany continued to control the game after the break. Wirtz then doubled the lead with a fine finish after creating space inside the box. Klopp was pleased with the response from his players.
“The mix of football and attitude was top level today. I told the boys that this has to be our benchmark,” Klopp said.
He also praised Wirtz after the Liverpool midfielder played a key role in both goals. “A performance like that helps us, but it also helps him,” Klopp said.
Celtic midfielder Mika Baur also made history after coming on in the 77th minute. He became the 1,000th player to represent Germany. The victory gave Klopp his first win in charge and lifted some of the pressure after Germany’s slow start under their new coach.
