Germany’s Nations League month will begin with an unusually wide net: Jürgen Klopp has named 44 players across two separate squads for four fixtures, turning late September and early October into an extended audition for Euro 2028.
On Thursday, Klopp selected a group that blends established internationals with players still largely unknown at senior level. Germany face the Netherlands, Greece twice and Serbia, with the coach able to refresh his matchday group between each game.
A broad German trial before Euro 2028
The four-match programme gives Klopp room to assess a larger pool while managing the demands on leading players. Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz are among the prominent names expected to feature in no more than two of the matches.
- Germany open against the Netherlands on 24 September.
- Greece visit three days later, on 27 September.
- Germany then play Serbia on 1 October.
- The second meeting with Greece follows on 4 October.
For each league-phase fixture, teams must submit a 23-player squad by midnight on the eve of the match. Players can be exchanged from one game to the next, allowing Klopp to rotate heavily across the four dates.
New faces from beyond the usual German circle
Several members of the 44 have yet to make a senior Germany appearance. Klopp’s selection reaches into clubs and careers that have not often been associated with the national side’s regular gatherings.
- Elversberg midfielder Felix Keidel has only limited first-division experience.
- Eintracht forward Younes Ebnoutalib is another player with only a small number of top-flight club matches behind him.
- Other uncapped players have also been brought into the enlarged group as Germany begin their longer build towards the next European Championship.
The approach extends Klopp’s unconventional opening period in international football. He had previously said he could step down if criticism became too intense or if he felt media attention had become excessively intrusive.
Undav and Sané left outside the squads
The most striking omission is Deniz Undav. Germany’s leading scorer at the World Cup, with three goals and two assists, has not been included despite his contribution during the tournament.
Germany’s World Cup run ended in the round of 32, when Paraguay won the tie on penalties. That defeat also brought Julian Nagelsmann’s spell as national-team coach to a close.
Galatasaray winger Leroy Sané is also absent. The 80-cap international will not add to that total during this Nations League window.
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Klopp names 44 players for Germany Nations League audition
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Jürgen Klopp has selected 44 players across two Germany squads for Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia, with Deniz Undav and Leroy Sané omitted.
