Jürgen Klopp has officially begun his tenure as the head coach of the Germany national team, announcing his first squad during a press conference at the Frankfurter DFB-Campus. In an unusual move to manage a merged international break in September and October, the 59-year-old manager selected a total of 44 players, dividing them into two separate groups to cover four upcoming Nations League matches.
Klopp Debuts as Germany Head Coach with 44-Man Squad
Klopp, who took the position in July following Germany’s third straight early elimination from the World Cup, stated that the expanded roster allows him to get to know as many players as possible. He clarified that there is no “A or B team,” noting that the squads were organized based on character, experience, and what makes sense on the pitch.
The first group will compete in matches against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24 and Greece in Augsburg on September 27. The second group will face Serbia in Munich on October 1 and Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4. While most players will only participate in two games, Klopp noted that Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, and Nico Schlotterbeck might remain for the full two weeks. Goalkeeper Finn Dahmen was also included in both squads as Klopp intends to evaluate him more closely.
Political Statement and National Pride
During the announcement, Klopp wore a baseball cap featuring the colors of the German flag and the phrase one of 83 million.
This attire was interpreted as a response to recent state election results in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won a majority and over 43 percent of the popular vote on September 6.
Klopp used the press conference to advocate for “positive patriotism” and the need to reclaim the national flag. I don’t want to entrust national pride to the wrong people,
Klopp said, adding that he wants people to feel happy and fortunate to live in the country. While he expressed hope that he would not have to discuss political matters in the future, he emphasized that football can foster a sense of community. He further remarked that while he is proud to be German, he believes one can be proud of their nationality while remaining open, diverse, kind and friendly.
Squad Selections and Tactical Shifts
The 44-man list includes 16 players who have never made an international appearance for Germany. Notable debutants include:
- Felix Keidel (Elversberg)
- Said El Mala (Cologne)
- Mika Baur (Celtic)
- Younes Ebnoutalib (Frankfurt)
- Philipp Treu, Max Rosenfelder, and Derry Scherhant (Freiburg)
Marc-André ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, has been confirmed as the first-choice goalkeeper following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer.
Tactically, Klopp announced that captain Joshua Kimmich will be utilized as a midfielder, a departure from the right-back role he held under previous manager Julian Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann resigned after Germany was eliminated by Paraguay in the World Cup last-32 stage.
Several established players were omitted from the first squad, including Leroy Sané, Oliver Baumann, and Deniz Undav. Klopp explained that Undav’s absence was fitness-related, stating the forward had not yet properly found his rhythm this season.
Player Management and Future Outlook
Klopp has already begun establishing relationships with key talent. He reportedly made a personal phone call to Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala to offer support following the player’s neurological absences and injuries, informing him that he is a central part
of the team’s future plans.
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