Klopp takes blame for Germany's first ever loss to Greece

Germany experienced a night to forget in the Nations League on Tuesday, falling 1-0 to Greece in what was their first ever defeat against the Greek national team. Jurgen Klopp took the blame for the historic setback, pointing to his five changes to the starting eleven and the new tactical set-up as key factors, while insisting the loss is simply part of the rebuilding process.

• Germany fall 1-0 to Greece, their first ever defeat against the Greeks.
• Klopp admits the line-up and formation changes were 100 percent his responsibility.
• Substitute Dimitrios Kourbelis scores the decisive goal in the 74th minute.
• Klopp remains winless after a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in his first game.
• Germany face Serbia next with Klopp planning more rotation.

A historic defeat that slows Germany's new project

Germany had never lost to Greece in a senior international fixture before this Nations League clash. The result comes at an early and delicate stage for Klopp, who is still searching for his first win since taking over from Julian Nagelsmann after the World Cup. Following a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in his debut, the German side suffered a setback that the coach described as a learning experience.

Klopp's line-up and formation changes in the spotlight

The Germany boss made five changes to the starting XI that faced the Netherlands and also switched the formation. He addressed the issue directly after the match, telling broadcaster ARD: "The lineup, the formation, the many changes — that is all 100 percent down to me." Klopp defended the decisions as part of the path toward turning Germany back into a world-class national team, even if the performance did not match that ambition.

Sterile possession and a Greek goal in the 74th minute

Germany controlled the ball for much of the contest but lacked sharpness in the final third. Their clearest opportunity came in the first half when Karim Adeyemi forced a save from Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Greece, however, needed only one telling moment: substitute Dimitrios Kourbelis struck in the 74th minute to leave Germany without an answer.

Football, that's how it is. Drawing this game tonight, I could have easily taken it, but losing — that's harsh. I don't think we deserved that, but it happened anyway.

That was Klopp's assessment in an interview with UEFA.com after the final whistle. He also noted that Greece arrived with a clear game plan and that Germany must show more conviction in what they do, adding: "In that moment, things will be good."

Germany's next test: Serbia and more rotation from Klopp

Germany do not have much time to dwell on the defeat, with a meeting against Serbia already on the horizon. Klopp made it clear he will keep rotating and testing his squad: "We'll change the squad, change the team. The good thing is that the other team doesn't necessarily know how we're going to play, but we don't know right now how we're going to play, because we have to bring that group together again." The coach believes there is plenty to take from the Greece game and expects to work on it immediately.

Jonathan Tah calls for calm and unity in the dressing room

Defender Jonathan Tah offered a composed view from inside the squad after the loss. He acknowledged that Germany simply did not perform well enough, saying the players were disappointed and angry, but stressed the importance of sticking together. Tah insisted the euphoria around the new head coach would not fade because of one poor result and backed the team to make up for it in the next fixture.