Klopp must scrap a starting XI appearance before his Amsterdam debut
In the splendid Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam, Jürgen Klopp stands on Thursday before his first appearance as national team coach. Even before the Nations‑League duel against the Netherlands begins, he must make a tough decision: a player must not be listed on the match report sheet.
Squad limit forces selection
Of the 44 nominated players, 24 are already in the German squad for the first two internationals. However, Nations‑League rules allow only 23 players in the matchday squad, so one player must be cut.
The affected DFB star
The official UEFA squad list shows that the 23‑year‑old offensive all‑rounder Bambasé Conté from TSG Hoffenheim has been selected. Conté, one of 16 nominees without a senior cap so far, returned after a loan at SV Elversberg and provided two assists in four appearances as a right winger at the start of the season.
Klopp announced at the press conference on Wednesday evening that he had already informed Conté about the decision. “But because something could still happen, I will only say it tomorrow. He will then definitely be in the second squad,” said the new DFB hopeful.
Klopp expects a smooth debut against the Netherlands
Outlook on the second match
Conté will have to wait at least until Sunday to make his debut for the DFB team, when the second Nations‑League match is played in Augsburg against Greece. According to Klopp, he will then definitely be in the matchday squad, while another player will be cut.
It is certain that Marc‑André ter Stegen will make his comeback in goal. In defense, Freiburg’s Philipp Treu could be deployed as a complete newcomer on the right side, depending on the system choice between 4‑3‑3 and 4‑2‑3‑1.
Klopp leaves Liverpool star Florian Wirtz out against the Netherlands
Klopp did not yet reveal which eleven players will be in the starting eleven for his debut, and emphasized: “Let’s wait a little longer.” The final squad will be determined only shortly before the match against the Netherlands.