Klopp brushes off Kimmich’s pleas as Germany eye fresh faces
In the cramped press room at the German Football Association, Jürgen Klopp smiled broadly as he fielded yet another question about Joshua Kimmich’s desire to stay in the national team. The manager’s answer was unmistakable – the captain’s repeated requests fell on deaf ears. Klopp told BR24 before the 2‑0 win over Serbia that “the more you ask, the less likely you get what you want”.
Klopp’s stance on the veteran midfielder
Klopp reiterated that Kimmich’s exclusion was not performance‑related. “He has made a great impression and is a wonderful captain. Everything is fine,” the coach said, adding that the decision was about giving “new faces” a chance when the regulars are unavailable. He joked that the Kimmich family now enjoys a “family holiday” and hoped the captain would join it.
Kimmich had travelled home after Germany’s 0‑1 loss to Greece, joining a group of established players who stepped aside for what Klopp described as his “second” squad. Only goalkeeper Finn Dahmen (FC Augsburg), Philipp Treu and Yannik Engelhardt (both SC Freiburg), Bambase Conte (TSG Hoffenheim), Serge Gnabry (FC Bayern) and the injured Nico Schlotterbeck (BVB) remained.
Leno backs Urbig for the No. 1 spot
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, now at FC Fulham, used the same interview to champion Jonas Urbig as Germany’s future No. 1. “In my view, the best keeper will come from Bayern because they have the top talents,” Leno said, urging the selection of Urbig. He praised Urbig’s “impressive reflexes” and “courage”, noting the young Bayern keeper had already debuted in the 2‑0 victory over Serbia.
Matthäus demands clear support from Klopp for Kimmich
Leno also mentioned Noah Atubolu as another “very talented” option, hinting that Eintracht Frankfurt’s keeper could feature in the concluding Nations‑League matches. He recalled that Marc‑Andre ter Stegen had been the first‑choice before the break, with Alexander Nübel getting a chance in the second game.
The discussion around Kimmich’s departure had already drawn criticism from former captain Lothar Matthäus, who argued the veteran should have stayed to help newcomers adjust. Matthäus wrote in his Sky column that Kimmich is “the absolute leader” of the squad, both on and off the pitch.
Klopp, however, dismissed any notion of a generational midfield overhaul, stating he could not “sing along” with that narrative. He stressed that while the style of play must stay constant, the line‑up will inevitably change due to injuries and form.
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Overall, the German team’s recent 2‑0 win over Serbia has intensified the debate over squad composition, with Klopp’s firm stance on Kimmich and Leno’s endorsement of Urbig shaping the next round of selections.