DFB-Team News: Klopp drops Dortmund defender for Greece clash
In a surprise move, national team manager Jürgen Klopp has left Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck out of Germany’s 23‑man squad for the Nations League clash with Greece, while centre‑back Jonathan Tah lauds Klopp’s influence on the group after his recent praise.
Squad omissions and replacements
The 26‑year‑old Schlotterbeck was absent from the official UEFA list for the upcoming Nations League match, confirming earlier hints that his long injury lay‑off might keep him on the sidelines. He had completed the full 90 minutes in the opening 1‑1 draw with the Netherlands, but will now miss the Greece fixture.
Inter Milan’s 25‑year‑old Yann Aurel Bisseck is the most likely replacement, having made his Germany debut in March 2025 and subsequently missing the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Borussia Dortmund‑born defender remains uncapped for the current campaign.
Injuries to Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz have opened spots for Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt, both of whom were originally slated for the third group match against Serbia. Their inclusion adds fresh impetus to the squad ahead of the Greece encounter.
Klopp’s attacking options
Klopp insisted that Havertz’s thigh strain does not threaten Germany’s attacking fluency, describing the situation as “tending to be comfortable”. He promoted Frankfurt‑based Burkardt for his home debut, saying, “Johnny was the first thought. He was around the corner, that’s why I called him. If he is fit, he is one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga.”
Zidane thrives while Klopp struggles after World Cup shake‑up
Younes Ebnoutalib is also expected to start after his solid debut against the Netherlands, where he replaced Havertz. Klopp later joked about Adeyemi, asking “Auf welchen Fehlschuss?” during a light‑hearted moment on the sidelines.
The coach added that he could even draw from the U21 pool, naming Nicolò Tresoldi, Dzenan Pejcinovic and Paris Brunner as “interesting and able to play”. He noted that several young forwards are at an age where “big steps can still follow”.
Player morale and identity
Jonathan Tah praised Klopp’s ability to ignite the squad, recalling the pre‑match briefing: “When we had the introductory meeting, everyone left thinking: okay, we go through fire together!” He added that Klopp brings a “mix of fun, passion and absolute desire to win”.
Tresoldi thanks Klopp but delays the choice between Germany and Italy
Tah stressed that the positive energy from the coach helps new players feel confident, but reminded that ultimately “we are the ones on the pitch and must deliver what the coach asks of us”.
All News and rumours surrounding the DFB‑Team continue to circulate, with every Artikel highlighting the evolving squad dynamics. The upcoming Nations League clash sees Deutschland aiming to translate Klopp’s renewed enthusiasm into a solid performance.