Klopp hears El-Mala calls, players get chances in the first DFB squad
The first DFB squad under Klopp will be presented on Thursday at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where the German national team will start the new international‑match season at the end of September and early October with a Nations League four‑team package. Against the Netherlands, Greece (twice) and Serbia, he is set to be on the sidelines for the first time as head coach.
Under the 59‑year‑old coach, a significantly larger squad will be called up, as up to 40 players could be nominated. The newly created XL international break of just over two weeks gives the coach the chance to assess a larger number of candidates in training sessions.
Goalkeeper decisions and El Mala
According to rumours, Klopp will drop keeper Oliver Baumann and instead reinstate Marc‑André ter Stegen as number one. This decision opens a new opportunity for the goalkeeper position.
El‑Mala calls are reportedly to be definitively selected by Klopp on Thursday, giving Said El Mala, who did not receive any international caps under Nagelsmann, a good chance now. El and Mala are mentioned together because their prospects under the new coach increase markedly.
German media predict three-way points race in Nations League group
Nations League plan and opponents
The German national team begins the 26/27 Nations League season in League A, Group B, facing the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia. The start of this phase marks an important moment for the players who want to prove themselves in the first DFB squad.
According to consistent reports, 19 more players have already secured their nomination, while 24 players have a good chance of being called up. These players form the foundation for the upcoming international matches.
Jürgen Klopp, the new head coach, places great emphasis on direct contact with players and coaches and is regularly present live in the stadium to assess potential national‑team players on site. Images/GettyImages provides the visual material for this event.
The first DFB squad opens the opportunity for many talents to establish themselves in the Nations League and help shape the future of the German national team.