Ex-Liverpool boss Klopp lashes out at German press over Kimmich
In the glow of a crisp October evening on 3 October 2026, a sarcastic Jurgen Klopp, the ex‑Liverpool manager now steering Germany, faced a barrage of questions about Joshua Kimmich’s omission as reporters pressed for answers at his first official press conference as national boss.
Guarded stance towards the media
Klopp has kept his guard up since taking the helm, declaring at his inaugural press briefing that any media attack on his family would prompt him to quit. The 59‑year‑old reiterated that promise today, insisting personal attacks are unacceptable. His tone signalled a zero‑tolerance policy for intrusive reporting.
He unveiled two 22‑man squads for Germany’s four‑match international break, placing captain Joshua Kimmich in the first list. A midfield trio of Tom Bischof, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Florian Wirtz starred in the 2‑0 victory over Serbia on Thursday evening. Their performance cemented their places ahead of the upcoming clash with Greece.
When reporters pressed again on Kimmich, Klopp snapped, “It’s such a beautiful evening… you’re trying to bring up a topic that isn’t really a topic.” He warned that the focus would become a “Jo Kimmich story” and praised Pavlovic, Bischof and Wirtz for their brilliant display. The outburst underscored his frustration with what he called “pathetic” leaks of the squad.
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Recent results and upcoming challenge
He added that journalists seem eager to manufacture narratives, saying, “You can see that it’s extremely difficult… because you all want to create a story.” Klopp argued that selection is based on form, noting that “if we had exactly three midfielders, why should only one always play?” He likened the principle to club football, where players must earn their place.
Klopp’s tenure has already produced a 1‑1 draw with the Netherlands and a 1‑0 defeat by Greece in his first home game. He then guided Germany to a 2‑0 win over Serbia on Thursday and now aims to avenge the Greek loss on Sunday. The manager stressed the need for varied structures, stamina and creativity to succeed in the final fixture.
Matthäus demands clear support from Klopp for Kimmich
The German boss branded the early leaks of his squad “pathetic” and affirmed his happiness with the current situation. “I’m very happy with the situation,” he said, adding that anyone capable of playing football need not worry. He concluded, “I have no chance of answering the question in a way that would prevent you from making your own thing out of it… I’m giving up on this issue, do what you want.”