New Germany coach Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to harness the strength of the collective as he prepares to take charge of the national team for the first time.
Germany face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday, still smarting from their third consecutive early World Cup exit after Paraguay knocked them out in the round of 32.
The defeat marked the end of Julian Nagelsmann’s tenure, with Klopp subsequently appointed as his successor.
During a successful club coaching career with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Klopp repeatedly emphasized the importance of building a system in which a well-organized team could overcome opponents with greater individual talent.
"These are outstanding talents we have here," Klopp said.
"All the players in our squad have frequently outperformed expectations at their clubs. Now, one might ask: When was the last time that happened with the national team?
"I haven't watched every game, but I'm certain it hasn't happened every time."
The 59-year-old coach said he had the benefit of being both an outsider until taking the job in the summer and having the opportunity to peek behind the curtain.
"I'm right in the thick of it all at the moment. I'm the one who is on the inside, yet I still have the perspective of an outsider looking in from a few weeks ago," he said.
"We are in the process of finding a way to do this together, to succeed together. If we come together in this setup, we can create days where we can rise above ourselves."
Klopp said the "impression persists" that the players do not care about performing at the international level.
"But believe me, they care deeply. Believe me, it means everything to them."
Klopp recalled veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to the squad and said he will start between the sticks on Thursday.
Ter Stegen won the 2015 Champions League final with Barcelona alongside Xavi, who will coach the Netherlands for the first time on Thursday.
"It's very special," ter Stegen said of seeing his former teammate.
"I won't kid anyone. Xavi is a very important person in my life. We get along very well."
