Klopp hails ‘perfect night’ as Germany defeat Serbia and praise Wirtz and Pavlovic

Jurgen Klopp described Germany’s 2-0 victory over Serbia as a “perfect night” after his side delivered an impressive performance in their UEFA Nations League meeting at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday.

Germany controlled the match from the opening stages and secured the result with two goals, the second of them scored by Florian Wirtz. Klopp was particularly pleased with the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder’s contribution and the way his team operated in midfield.

“The way we want to play suits Florian Wirtz,” Klopp said at his post-match news conference. “I think everyone at Liverpool is very happy today. The player is enjoying football to the fullest, and he worked very hard and with great intensity.”

Klopp also singled out Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who impressed in the home side’s midfield.

“What a game Pavlovic played,” said Klopp. “He was everywhere.”

The Germany manager said he was satisfied with every stage of his team’s performance, from the opening phase through to the closing moments.

“Everything,” Klopp said when asked what had pleased him. “The opening phase, the middle part and the end. Our positioning inside the penalty area was outstanding.”

He added that the players’ willingness to take risks when Germany regained possession had been an important part of their display.

“Having the courage to do that means we can give ourselves all kinds of freedom and take risks when we win the ball back together,” Klopp said.

The manager also praised the collective effort without possession, particularly during Germany’s periods of pressure. He said the players consistently fulfilled their defensive responsibilities and that the back line had shown an aggressive approach.

“Everyone was there during the moments when we applied pressure,” he said. “The back line defended brilliantly and in an attacking manner. We were extremely good without the ball, and with the ball we played excellent football.”

Klopp believes the performance must now become the minimum standard for Germany as the team continues to develop.

“This has to be our baseline,” he said. “If we are always able to repeat that, then we will see where it takes us.”

He described the victory as an important stage in the team’s progress, while stressing that Germany remained a side still learning how to perform under pressure.

“This match will go into my archive,” Klopp added. “It is the next step in our development. In the end, we are learning. We learn under pressure.”