Klopp backs 11 uncapped Germany selections as bold risk
Jürgen Klopp has unveiled his first German national‑team squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League, naming 44 players in two groups and including 11 men who have never earned a senior call‑up. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss insists the newcomers have something special.
The new Bundestrainer announced the 44‑man pool on Thursday, splitting the list into two separate squads for the forthcoming fixtures. Among the names are 11 players making their debut at senior level, a clear signal that Klopp is willing to broaden the talent base.
Surprising club selections
Among the most unexpected picks are SV Elversberg midfielder Felix Keidel, who has featured in only three Bundesliga matches, and Hoffenheim attacker Bambasé Conté, with just ten top‑flight appearances to his name. Augsburg wing‑back Hennes Behrens has only recently cemented a place in the Bundesliga, while Celtic midfielder Mika Baur admitted he was not a regular starter for the Germany U21 side.
Klopp on risk and pressure
Klopp argued that international football cannot develop new options without accepting a degree of risk. “We need to learn to have fun under pressure,” he said, adding that pressure is not a negative word but a catalyst for focus.
He singled out Keidel’s qualities, noting the player’s running prowess, two‑footedness, set‑piece delivery and tactical versatility, which have turned a youngster with no previous DFB youth experience into perhaps the most unexpected senior Germany call‑up.
Conté, who laughed for about two minutes when he first heard Klopp’s voice on the telephone, has started two of Hoffenheim’s opening four competitive fixtures and already recorded three assists. Klopp used the example to illustrate the importance of judging potential rather than immediate readiness.
Twenty‑year‑old Finn Jeltsch, a Stuttgart centre‑back, has amassed 69 appearances across Germany’s top two divisions and was described by Klopp as an “exceptional defender”. Likewise, Freiburg’s Max Rosenfelder, despite recent injury setbacks, earned the “exceptional” label and will be carefully managed to avoid overload.
Klopp also praised 22‑year‑old Mika Baur for his creativity, passing and attitude, noting the Celtic midfielder’s summer move from newly‑promoted Paderborn impressed him. Philipp Treu’s inclusion was used to counter the claim that Germany lacks right‑backs, with Klopp insisting the country possesses far more talent than recent pessimism suggests.
Looking ahead, Klopp said the squad will discover its strengths together, promising to work closely with club coaches to nurture the newcomers. He concluded that enjoying the challenge under pressure will be key as Germany prepares for its UEFA Nations League matches.