Yann Bisseck’s place in Inter’s early-season story has brought him back to the German national team, after a World Cup disappointment that had appeared to close the door on a major international moment. The defender has turned a difficult spell into a convincing opening run for the Nerazzurri, and Jürgen Klopp’s call has offered a reward for his growing authority in Milan.
From disappointment to a place in Klopp’s plans
Bisseck had long hoped for a Germany opportunity, only to miss out on the World Cup in America despite becoming a more prominent figure at Inter last season. He had moved beyond the role of useful squad player and become a regular contributor, making the omission especially difficult to accept.
His response has been shaped by a lesson from David Nielsen, the coach who worked with him when he joined Aarhus in Denmark. At that point, Bisseck had even considered whether to pursue studies with the aim of becoming a doctor.
Nielsen’s advice was simple: a player should not carry an error for too long. Bisseck explained that, if necessary, blaming the pitch, the grass or even a team-mate can help remove the thought within seconds and allow the player to move on.
He applied that approach after an incident in Madrid, looking down at the Bernabéu surface and deciding that his studs had caught in the grass. Whether he used a similar mental escape after the World Cup exclusion is unknown, but his recent form has given him another route into the Germany set-up.
An Inter opening built on responsibility
- Bisseck started Inter’s opening match against Monza and scored.
- He was initially rested at Cagliari, coming on only late in the match, but his contribution was enough to stop a possible Rossoblù equaliser.
- He returned to the starting side for the meetings with Napoli and Real Madrid.
- He then had what was described as a tactical bench role against Udinese.
- A few days later, he was again central to Inter’s performance at Roma’s Olimpico.
Across Inter’s first six matches, Bisseck made five appearances. He started four of them and was not taken off in any of those starts. With Stones injured and Akanji still short of full condition following the World Cup, the German defender has been able to establish himself as a pillar of Inter’s back line.
That sequence has helped change the international picture. Klopp’s first Germany squad included Bisseck, a selection earned through his impact at club level rather than merely the promise he has shown since arriving in Serie A.
The call that confirmed the return
Bisseck recalled receiving a missed call while he was training. When he checked his phone afterwards, he saw an unfamiliar German number. A look at WhatsApp revealed the name “Jürgen”, prompting the thought that it might be Klopp with positive news.
Klopp had left a brief voice message asking him to call back, wanting to deliver the news himself. Because it was a matchday, Bisseck returned the call the following day.
“He made an excellent first impression on me,” Bisseck said. “I hope I did the same, although you would have to ask him. When we spoke, he gave me the good news and I was very happy.”
For Bisseck, the selection does not erase the World Cup frustration. It does, however, mark the next stage of a season in which Inter have entrusted him with greater responsibility and Germany have taken notice.
