FIFA rules force Jurgen Klopp to leave Conte out of Germany squad
Jurgen Klopp has been compelled by FIFA rules to exclude Hoffenheim midfielder Bambase Conte from his first Germany squad ahead of the Nations League clash with the Netherlands. The 59‑year‑old German manager named 24 players for the upcoming fixtures, but only 23 may be registered on matchday. The decision highlights the regulatory constraints that now shape the national team’s selection.
Klopp returns to the dugout
The former Liverpool boss will take his place in the Germany dugout for the first time since departing Anfield in 2024, where he cemented his status as a club legend. Klopp told reporters that coaching Germany represents the pinnacle of his career, a sentiment captured in a Getty photograph accompanying the interview. He added that the honour of leading the national side outweighs any club‑level achievements.
Conte omitted under FIFA rule
Conte has featured in four Bundesliga matches this season and contributed two assists, yet UEFA confirmed he is the player left out of the final matchday roster. In a pre‑match interview Klopp said, “I already know who I’m leaving out, but anything can happen overnight, so I’ll announce it tomorrow. I’ve already spoken to the player, and he’ll be in the squad next time.” The exclusion complies with FIFA regulations that limit squad size.
Klopp’s 24‑man list covers the Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia, but UEFA stipulates only 23 players may be named on a competitive matchday and at least three must be goalkeepers. The German federation must submit the squad by 23:59 Central European Time on the day before each game. For the Nations League finals, the allowance rises to 26 players.
Klopp leaves Liverpool star Florian Wirtz out against the Netherlands
Goalkeepers selected are Marc‑Andre ter Stegen (Ajax), Finn Dahmen (Augsburg) and Alexander Nubel (Besiktas). Defenders include Yann Bisseck (Inter), Max Rosenfelder (Freiburg), Jonathan Tah (FC Bayern), Philipp Treu (Freiburg), Josha Vagnoman (Stuttgart), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (FC Bayern) and Hennes Behrens (Augsburg). The midfield contingent features Yannik Engelhardt (Freiburg), Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Schade (Brentford), Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Anton Stach (Leeds United), Chris Fuhrich (Stuttgart), Karim Adeyemi (FC Barcelona) and Serge Gnabry (FC Bayern). Up front, Kai Havertz (Arsenal) and Younes Ebnoutalib (Eintracht Frankfurt) complete the attacking options.
Squad rotation and upcoming fixtures
After the matches against the Netherlands and Greece, a separate group of players will take over for the subsequent fixtures versus Serbia and Greece. This rotation strategy aims to keep the squad fresh and adapt to the differing challenges posed by each opponent.
Arsenal's Havertz forced off early as Germany fall to Netherlands
When pressed about his starting eleven against Xavi’s side, Klopp retorted, “Can you sleep tonight if you don’t know this? Has Xavi announced his line‑up? If he has, I would like to have it. Let’s wait a little.” He later stressed, “I will not promise trophies, but we will definitely try. We need to adjust our style, be faster and make changes where needed.” Klopp recalled his last trophy – the 2024 EFL Cup with Liverpool – and likened his return to “riding a bike”, noting his three‑month spell away from the training pitch. He also referenced his role as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football, adding that the boys are motivated and optimism runs high.