Mario Basler Urges Jurgen Klopp to Rein In Joshua Kimmich After Greece Loss
Basler has demanded that Jurgen Klopp rein in Joshua Kimmich after Germany’s 1-0 home defeat to Greece, declaring the national-team captain is not a world-class player.
Germany’s immediate situation
| Item | Figure/date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Germany vs Greece | 0-1 | Dimitrios Kourbelis scored via a deflection off Kimmich in Augsburg |
| Germany possession | 75% | Klopp’s side dominated the ball but failed to find a breakthrough |
| Nations League Group A3 | 1 point from 2 games | Germany host Serbia on Thursday, October 1, then visit Greece three days later |
The Greece loss was Klopp’s first home match in charge and left Germany under pressure early in their Nations League campaign. Kourbelis’ decisive effort took a touch off Kimmich before beating the goalkeeper.
Basler argued that Germany rely too heavily on Kimmich, even when the midfielder’s influence is not producing attacking chances. He said Kimmich receives the ball at every opportunity, racks up touches and distance covered, but does not create enough from that involvement.
“I have said it for months and years: Kimmich is no world-class player,” Basler said. “He is an ordinary midfielder who appears to want every corner, every free-kick and to be involved everywhere.”
Basler believes Klopp must reduce Kimmich’s freedom in midfield, claiming the team’s tempo suffers when the captain carries the ball for too long. He also said opponents now know what to expect, particularly Kimmich’s attempts to loft passes behind the defensive line.
Against Greece, Basler said, those deliveries were repeatedly dealt with in the air. He called the performance proof that Kimmich’s approach has become predictable.
He also supported Bastian Schweinsteiger’s verdict on the current German squad, arguing that the country no longer possesses genuine elite-level players and has been short of them for years.
What happens next is decisive for Klopp and Kimmich. Serbia visit on October 1 before Germany head to Greece three days later, with the return fixture offering an immediate chance to answer the criticism and improve their Group A3 position.
