First Klopp internationals – Squad like this for Nations League
The first Klopp international matches are upcoming, but the squads thus show a tension between a huge talent pool and a targeted distribution. While 44 players are nominated, only 24 are to be used in each of the first two Nations League games.
Large Squad and Allocation
The 59‑year‑old Jürgen Klopp, as the new national team coach, wants to start immediately with a fresh start and has called up 44 players for his first internationals. For the matches against the Netherlands and the home game against Greece, initially 24 players will be used, after which 20 new players will rotate in for the fixtures against Serbia and the second game in Greece.
Finn Dahmen, the goalkeeper of FC Augsburg, is included in both squads. Exceptions are Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry, who remain in the first squad, at least for the training sessions of the DFB team.
Among the 44 nominees are eleven players who have never received a call‑up to the senior national team, and 16 who have not yet made a single senior appearance.
Possible Starting XI and Tactical Approach
In goal, Marc‑André ter Stegen is expected to take the number one spot again. Klopp could deploy his preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 or 4‑3‑3 formation, with the World Cup core duo Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah in central defence.
Nathaniel Brown is available as left‑back, while on the right side options include Philipp Treu, Josha Vagnoman and possibly Yann Bisseck. In central midfield, captain Joshua Kimmich leads the play, supported by Felix Nmecha as a potential dream duo.
On the wings Klopp has numerous options, but in the attacking positions only two centre‑forwards are available, with Kai Havertz considered the preferred number‑one solution.
The allocation of the squads allows, on the one hand, the inclusion of many young talents and, on the other hand, the preservation of a clear star structure for the decisive Nations League matches.
The juxtaposition of a broad squad and a focused line‑up illustrates Klopp's way of injecting fresh impetus without jeopardising the continuity of the established stars.