Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad has arrived with the doors thrown open: 44 players, 16 uncapped names and four Nations League fixtures in 11 days as the new coach begins after a turbulent World Cup exit.
Klopp names 44-man Germany squad for Nations League start
Klopp announced his first selection on Thursday after replacing Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned following Germany’s World Cup round-of-16 elimination by Paraguay. The match finished 1-1 before Paraguay won the penalty shoot-out 4-2.
The new Germany coach has assembled an unusually large pool for the opening stage of his reign, with 16 players receiving their first senior international call-ups. He has split the group across two squads for the four matches scheduled from late September to early October.
Germany’s first Klopp fixtures
- Germany will face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on 24 September.
- They will then host Greece in Augsburg on 27 September.
- The second squad will meet Serbia in Munich on 1 October.
- Germany will complete the sequence with another match against Greece, in Thessaloniki on 4 October.
Kimmich remains captain as Ter Stegen takes leading role
Joshua Kimmich has kept the captaincy under Klopp. The Bayern Munich player is set to return to a midfield role for the national team after playing at right-back under Nagelsmann during the World Cup and Euro 2024.
Marc-André ter Stegen has been confirmed as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 34-year-old Ajax Amsterdam player will be among the experienced figures expected to anchor the new-look group.
Klopp said he enjoyed putting the selection together and stressed that Germany had uncovered considerable talent. His aim, he said, is to assess as many players as possible.
The former Liverpool coach also underlined the need for a settled core before experimenting further, saying a team requires stability and a spine before it can become more creative and daring.
Freiburg quartet rewarded
Four Freiburg players are included among the 16 newcomers. Their call-ups follow a strong period for the club, who finished as Europa League runners-up last season and sit top of the Bundesliga after three rounds of the current campaign.
SEO Title: Jürgen Klopp names first Germany squad with 16 new players
SEO Description: Jürgen Klopp has selected 44 players, including 16 newcomers, for Germany’s opening Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia.
