Jurgen Klopp slams press leaks after unveiling 44-man Germany squad

Jurgen Klopp, the 59‑year‑old Germany manager, has publicly rebuked members of the press for leaking his first 44‑player squad ahead of Thursday’s official announcement, a move he says is "a bit pathetic" and unnecessary.

Leaked squad sparks manager’s ire

Klopp, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann at the helm of Die Mannschaft, disclosed two separate groups totalling 44 players for the upcoming UEFA Nations League break. The first group will face the Netherlands and Greece later this month, while the second will meet Serbia and Greece next month after FIFA merged the September and October international windows. The announcement was accompanied by a Getty photograph of the squad list.

New faces and familiar names

Among the surprise inclusions is 23‑year‑old Elversberg midfielder Felix Keidel, who impressed during his club’s recent 2‑1 defeat to defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Klopp told reporters, "I spoke to Felix Keidel again last night and asked him what the last 16 or 17 hours had been like after someone leaked that he will be in the squad."

Klopp added, "I don’t give a damn that it came out early. I have absolutely no problem with that. I just think it’s a bit pathetic to make a living by putting things out there earlier than people actually need to know them."

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Established stars also made the cut: Bayern Munich duo Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and goalkeeper Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, who will succeed the recently retired Manuel Neuer as first‑choice. When asked about his number one goalkeeper, Klopp replied, "Yes, for the moment, there is one, Marc‑Andre ter Stegen." He praised Ter Stegen’s experience and fitness after an earlier injury.

Brighton’s Pascal Gross, as well as striker Deniz Undav and winger Leroy Sané, were omitted from the list, a decision that surprised some observers.

Klopp’s broader message on national pride

Beyond football, Klopp used the squad announcement to address recent political developments, saying he wants Germany’s national pride to be reclaimed from “the wrong people” after a far‑right election victory. He stressed that one can be proud of being German while remaining open, diverse, kind and friendly.

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Looking ahead, Germany will start away to the Netherlands, then host Greece before travelling to Serbia and returning to Greece. Klopp noted the unusual nature of having four games in two weeks and said, "I want to get to know as many players as possible in that time."