Völler explains why the XXL squad ends in Klopp experiments
Jürgen Klopp causes a stir at the start of his tenure as national team coach because he sets the first international match window with an XXL squad of 44 nominated players. The DFB's focus is already on the upcoming tasks. DFB sporting director Rudi Völler already provides insight into whether further experiments of this kind will follow in the coming weeks.
XXL Squad and Upcoming Reductions
The experimental XXL squad comprises a total of 44 players who were nominated for the first international match window. Klopp put together two selections for this, an approach that has rarely been seen in the DFB environment so far. For November, Völler announced that a significantly smaller, compressed squad will be used, so that no 44 players will be invited anymore.
The competition for the places is intended to become even more intense as a result. At the same time, Völler emphasized that the current squad is not set in stone and players such as Leroy Sané, Deniz Undav, Angelo Stiller or Maximilian Beier still have a chance to return. He added that he had not held any additional talks with the non‑nominated Sané and Undav.
Klopp defends Wirtz and promises careful handling
Open Selection and Klopp Influence
Völler described the non‑nomination as a normal part of professional football: “That’s just how it is in professional football, sometimes you’re not nominated, you have to get through and prove yourself.” Klopp began his tenure with a 1‑1 against the Netherlands, before injuries to Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz forced the squad to bring Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt into the first team on short notice. Wirtz, in particular, is in the spotlight; Völler praised him, saying: “Flo is still young, and he is simply world‑class!”
The DFB already feels Klopp’s energy in training, as Völler noted: “You can also feel Jürgen’s energy in training.” In November, the away match against Serbia and the duel with the Netherlands are scheduled, but without another XXL squad.