German FA boss Jürgen Klopp offers a chance, drops Conte for debut

Jürgen Klopp gives a chance with the German FA team, but removes Hoffenheim forward Bambase Conte from the squad for his debut as national team coach against the Netherlands at 20:45 in Amsterdam. The German coach had originally named twenty‑four players, even though UEFA Nations League regulations allow only twenty outfield players plus three goalkeepers.

UEFA regulation for Nations League squads

The UEFA rule for the Nations League limits each team to twenty outfield players and three goalkeepers. Therefore Klopp had to trim the list of twenty‑four names to meet the allowed limit.

Klopp communicated the decision personally to the Hoffenheim forward on Wednesday. He did not want to make the information public immediately, but to wait until the evening.

Conte assured that he will therefore be safely in the squad for the second match in Augsburg against Greece on Sunday at 20:45. This keeps his place in the next roster.

Jürgen Klopp trims squad: Hoffenheim striker Conté misses start in Amsterdam

Other possible debutants for the match in Amsterdam are Yannik Engelhardt, Philipp Treu, Younes Ebnoutalib, Hennes Behrens, Max Rosenfelder and goalkeeper Finn Dahmen. These players could fill the gaps created by Conte's exclusion.

Overall, Klopp has nominated forty‑four players for his first four assignments as national team coach, divided into two squad groups. The division provides flexibility in case of injuries and form fluctuations.

Klopp expects a smooth debut against the Netherlands

Brajan Gruda from RB Leipzig, who belongs to the second squad, is out due to a hamstring strain. His absence further reduces the selection in the backup pool.