Euro‑2028‑Plan: Schlotterbeck, Tah or Thiaw – who will strengthen the defence?

The Sportschau football podcast “Das Bundesliga Update” has released a DFB special episode titled “Schlotterbeck, Tah, Thiaw: Who should defend?” in which the Nations League matches give a hint regarding Klopp’s team for the Euro 2028 in England and the hosts ask whether the team with Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck is set or whether surprising solutions like Malick Thiaw are being considered.

In the current episode, the hosts of the Bundesliga Update put the theory to the test by considering who they would line up for a hypothetical Euro start tomorrow. The left side should feature the captain from Borussia Dortmund.

Schlotterbeck in focus

Luise emphasizes that she wants Schlotterbeck and his skill set, especially his diagonal passes to the right, in her ideal lineup. Jens also sees Schlotterbeck as a clear left‑sided centre‑back and calls him a gain. Both hosts agree that Schlotterbeck needs a partner who primarily takes on defensive duties.

Luise explains that Schlotterbeck needs someone to watch over him. Jens adds that Schlotterbeck has deficiencies in positioning and sometimes acts headlessly in build‑up play. They agree that a complementary, reassuring partner would be sensible.

Schlotterbeck in focus: Thiaw or Tah as the ideal addition?

Malick Thiaw as a possible addition

For Jens Walbrodt, Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United is the best addition to Schlotterbeck. He praises Thiaw for his very good overall package, his sense for holding positions and surging forward, as well as his rather reserved personality.

Jonathan Tah as an alternative option

Luise Kropff considers Jonathan Tah of FC Bayern Munich to be the defensive guardian for Schlotterbeck. The statistical figures show that both Thiaw and Tah deliver good defensive performances, with Tah being slightly superior in aerial duels. Between the two there are only nuances, which is why a “soft skill” in Tah is decisive for Luise.

The Bayern centre‑back has already played together with Schlotterbeck more often, which could ease coordination in the event of an immediate Euro start next week. Jens emphasizes that Tah is less suited for a overhaul than Thiaw and shines especially when he has a strong centre‑back beside him. “I wondered when I last saw a truly good game from Jonathan Tah,” says Jens. According to Luise, it would benefit Tah if he could leave the build‑up play to someone else, but she still sees the build‑up task as belonging to Schlotterbeck.

The podcast is available on ARD Sounds, all podcast platforms and the Sportschau football channel on YouTube, with new episodes released Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings. Additionally, the Sportschau team points to the current squad mood, in which Jürgen Klopp has nominated Füllkrug and Mohya on 05.11.2026.