Jürgen Klopp injects new energy into Germany — Jonathan Tah: "We're ready to walk through fire together!"

Germany defender Jonathan Tah said on 27.09.2026 that new head coach Jürgen Klopp has already injected fresh energy into the national team and began to knit the squad together from the start of his tenure.

Klopp took charge in July after Germany’s round-of-16 exit at the hands of Paraguay, and made his debut three days ago with a 1:1 draw against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Tah spoke ahead of tonight’s match with Greece in Augsburg.

"He brought the experience from every club where he worked, that combination of fun and passion, a huge desire to win, but also the ability to pull the whole team behind him. He really can inspire us," Tah said.

Home crowd and squad changes

Tah, a Bayern centre-back, emphasised the change in atmosphere Klopp has created inside the dressing room. "I think that after the first talk with him, everyone left the locker room with the feeling: 'Okay, now we are ready to go through fire together'. He simply knows how to unite the team. We have already seen that during his career and that is exactly why he was so successful," he added.

The Greece game will be notable because Germany will play at home in front of standing supporters for the first time in 25 years following a change in UEFA rules. Klopp also acknowledged the importance of the stadium atmosphere: "The atmosphere in the stadium has a huge impact on the game. When the right people are standing, the atmosphere is extraordinary and its influence is big."

With injuries to Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala, Klopp recalled Florian Wirtz earlier than planned. Wirtz, who "has been playing very poorly for Liverpool," according to the report, was intended to be used in the later matches of this international window. "We have to make sure Florian feels comfortable here and can fit into the role we gave him. I hope he can simply be himself," Klopp said.

Photo: press material from the event