The German national football team holds its UEFA Nations League quarterfinal fate in its own hands ahead of a decisive clash with the Netherlands on Monday.
Lothar Matthäus expects several adjustments to the starting lineup, particularly in central defense, according to comments made to RTL and Sky.
The record appearance maker for the DFB pointed to pitch conditions in Belgrade during the previous fixture as a reason for expected roster rotation.
“I expect two, three changes, because perhaps one player or another is a bit tired due to the pitch conditions in Belgrade,” Matthäus told RTL and Sky.
Matthäus specifically anticipates Nico Schlotterbeck returning to the starting formation for the Oranje fixture.
“I also expect Schlotterbeck back in the starting formation, but Jürgen Klopp will not rotate through as much as in the first games,” Matthäus said.
Klopp knows his squad and understands the significance of facing the Netherlands, according to the 1990 World Cup winner.
Reflecting on the 3-1 victory against Serbia, Matthäus highlighted a dominant opening period from the German side.
“It was a great first half. Everything was in there that you imagine as a Germany fan: dynamics, positional play, passing sequences, scoring chances,” Matthäus said.
The team generated enough momentum in the first 45 minutes to score more than just two goals, he added.
Brajan Gruda also drew praise from the former international following his debut performance for the senior side.
“He has self-confidence. Brajan already made an impact in the first half without finishing successfully, but one-on-one he is very difficult to stop,” Matthäus told RTL and Sky.
“Also with his goal, he first shook off a few opponents, then didn’t let himself be knocked down by the defender, and asserted himself,” Matthäus said.
Monday’s match at the Olympiastadion in Berlin carries direct implications for advancement in the tournament.
A victory over the Netherlands secures a spot in the quarterfinals, while a draw requires Greece to drop points against Serbia.
A defeat would eliminate the DFB team from knockout contention as the third-placed team in the group.
Matthäus views the German squad as facing greater pressure than the Dutch team.
“They have the quality to win against the Netherlands, and they will try everything to get into the next round in the Nations League,” Matthäus said.
