Klopp's Germany are putting in the effort but not getting results yet

BERLIN, Oct 5 : When Germany coach Juergen Klopp walked off the pitch in Thessaloniki just before midnight on Sunday he knew that one win in his first four international matches in charge was hardly living up to the euphoria of his appointment, but he has noted that progress had been made since their disappointing World Cup exit.

Germany fans had been hoping for an immediate impact when the hugely popular former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach took over in July following another early World Cup elimination.

Apart from a 2-0 win over Serbia last week, however, results have been disappointing with a home defeat by Greece before Sunday's 0-0 draw and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Group A2.

"Overall, it was evident that many aspects of their game weren't quite clicking yet," said Germany's 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus. "It was clear that the young players thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, the points we got were not at that level. We cannot be satisfied with the points haul."

Germany are third on five points, with the Dutch and Greece top on eight. The Germans did, however, look more aggressive than in recent years, playing at times Klopp's trademark high tempo attacking game.

"I am very satisfied because I know where we’ve come from," Klopp said following Sunday's game, the last of the set of four internationals this month.

"I wouldn't have believed we could play a first half like that after just one week. The lads put in a top-notch performance; their movement and positioning were outstanding."

RAISED EYEBROWS

The 59-year-old had raised eyebrows and earned widespread praise when he named 44 players for the four matches - all Nations League games - with two separate squads of 22 players