Klopp’s sweeping overhaul signals the end of Leroy Sané’s Germany era
Leroy Sané Zeit is running out as Jürgen Klopp’s massive 44‑man Nations League squad signals a generational shift, while the Galatasaray winger watches his 80‑cap Germany career stall on the sidelines. The new selection, announced in Frankfurt am Main, includes eleven newcomers and leaves veteran goalkeepers in doubt.
Young talent floods the squad
The 59‑year‑old coach named 44 professionals for the first four Nations League matches, almost double the usual size. He explained that the XXL‑team is meant to "get to know as many players as possible" in the coming weeks. Among the newcomers are Elversberg’s Felix Keidel, Hoffenheim’s Bambasé Conté and Frankfurt’s Younes Ebnoutalib, who together have recorded just 21 Bundesliga appearances.
Mika Baur, who moved from newly promoted Paderborn to Scotland in the summer, also makes the list despite never having played in the German top flight. All eleven debutants receive their first chance to train with the national Team, a move Klopp hopes will rejuvenate the side.
Veteran goalkeepers pushed aside
Eight members of the summer World Cup squad were omitted, prompting Klopp to stress that the decision is "for the moment" rather than final. For two of the non‑selected World Cup players, the time is clearly over, a point underscored by the Oliver Baumann case.
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Baumann had featured in every qualifier before the tournament and was set to travel as the number one keeper. Former coach Julian Nagelsmann demoted him to backup just before the World Cup, reinstating Manuel Neuer. Klopp now prefers Marc‑André ter Stegen and has added Alexander Nübel, Noah Atubolu, Finn Dahmen and Jonas Urbig to the XXL roster, leaving Baumann’s Germany career effectively finished.
Sané’s omission and Klopp’s remarks
Despite his 80 caps, Leroy Sané was not listed among the 44, though Klopp did not issue a formal rejection. "Some things are simply logical," the coach told the 30‑year‑old, adding that Sané "has not yet settled, so not in the season, not at Galatasaray".
Klopp said he will speak with Sané soon, but so far has not found a minute to explain the omission. He claimed to have held over fifty, even sixty, phone calls with players, yet the conversation with the former Bayern star remains pending.
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William Laing reports from Frankfurt am Main that the overhaul marks a clear break with recent history – "Geschichte" – as the DFB looks to the next generation. Alle eyes are now on the young cohort, while the word San appears in the broader discussion of the squad’s composition. Aus Frankfurt am Main, the message is unmistakable: the era for the ex‑Bayern star in the national Team has likely ended.