Juergen Klopp believes Germany have made encouraging strides despite collecting only one victory from his first four matches in charge, as the four-time world champions continue their recovery from another early World Cup exit.

Germany were held to a goalless draw by Greece in Thessaloniki on Sunday, a result that followed a mixed run of Nations League fixtures this month. The team beat Serbia 2-0 last week but also lost at home to Greece and drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in Group A2.

The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, who took over in July, had been greeted with considerable enthusiasm after Germany’s latest World Cup disappointment. Supporters had hoped his arrival would quickly produce a turnaround, but the early results have left the side third in the group.

Germany have five points, while Greece and the Netherlands are level at the top on eight. Even so, the team showed greater aggression than in recent years and at times displayed the fast-paced attacking approach associated with Klopp.

“I am very satisfied because I know where we’ve come from,” Klopp said after Sunday’s match, which concluded the current set of four international fixtures.

“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.”

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus, who led the country to the 1990 World Cup title, said there were still clear shortcomings in the team’s overall play despite positive moments from younger players.

“Overall, it was evident that many aspects of their game weren't quite clicking yet,” Matthaeus said. “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.”

Klopp tests a broad group of players

The 59-year-old drew attention when he selected 44 players for the four Nations League matches, splitting them into two separate squads of 22 for two games each. Klopp included 16 new faces as he begins the task of rebuilding Germany’s international standing.

Defender Philipp Treu and winger Derry Scherhant were among the newcomers to make impressive debuts during the international window.

Klopp said the players had responded well to the opportunity across the past two weeks.

“I am very impressed with the team and the way we went about it. Everyone stepped up over the past two weeks and justified their selection,” he said. “When we defend collectively like that, the lads can really play football.”

Germany’s recent record has added to the pressure on the new coach. Under Klopp’s predecessor Julian Nagelsmann, the side suffered a surprise round-of-32 defeat to Paraguay at the World Cup in June. That followed first-round exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Germany last lifted the trophy in 2014.

Klopp’s team will have another opportunity to improve their position in November, when Germany travel to Serbia on November 13 before hosting the Netherlands three days later. More victories will be needed if they are to remain in the race for a top-two finish in Group A2.