The German national team returns to the WWK ARENA on Sunday evening. At 20:45, the side coached by Jürgen Klopp will host Greece in a UEFA Nations League match, a special honour for the hosting club, FC Augsburg.
Klopp's Return to Augsburg
For Jürgen Klopp, the visit to Augsburg marks a return to a familiar ground. The national team head coach previously visited with Liverpool in the Europa League back in 2016. "I think the city is beautiful," Klopp said at the press conference held in Herzogenaurach on Saturday. The squad opted to stay there for better recovery and only travelled to Augsburg on matchday. The press conference therefore took place in the Media Lounge of the business area, not at the stadium, with defender Jonathan Tah also in attendance.
Local Hopes for Debuts
The Germany squad includes two current Augsburg professionals: goalkeeper Finn Dahmen and midfielder Hennes Behrens. Neither featured in the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands the previous evening, and they were hoping for a potential debut on home turf. Head coach Klopp, however, confirmed that Alexander Nübel would start in goal. He also ruled out starts for Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt, who joined the squad late. "That would be a massive ask and the worst thing we could do," he explained.
Preparation and Expectations
Ahead of the match against a Greek side he described as potentially the strongest ever, Klopp was in good spirits but also feeling the pressure. "If the lads don't perform tomorrow, my receding hairline will come back," the 59-year-old joked. He also looked forward to the atmosphere in the sold-out arena, with standing terraces permitted again. For FC Augsburg, currently 4th in the Bundesliga with 7 points, the international is a welcome highlight during the break. The team is on a run of three wins from its last five league games. The next major challenge awaits on October 10th, when second-placed Bayern Munich visit the WWK ARENA.
Background and full detail: FC Augsburg
