Klopp unveils radical 44-man squad strategy for the Nations League
In the background of the federal eagle, while cameras illuminate the podium, Jürgen Klopp stands and announces his first squad call‑up. 44 players are to be available for the upcoming Nations League dates for Germany – a radical step that immediately creates a stir.
Two squads for four Nations League matches
The first call‑up covers four teams and includes 44 players, of whom up to 16 could make their debut. For fan favourite Deniz Undav and the ever‑talented Leroy Sané (short: San) there is no place any longer, although both had long hoped for an international appearance. Klopp emphasizes that the decision is part of a radical renewal, in which fresh faces are given priority.
New in the squad are, among others, Hennes Behrens from FC Augsburg, Max Rosenfelder from Freiburg and Philipp Treu. Further newcomers are Yannik Engelhardt, Derry Scherhant, Bambasé Conté from TSG Hoffenheim and Younes Ebnoutalib from Eintracht Frankfurt. From the Bundesliga come Finn Jeltsch (VfB Stuttgart) and Felix Keidel from Elversberg, while Vitaly Janelt from FC Brentford and Mika Baur from Celtic Glasgow represent the foreign leagues.
Klopp also omits Oliver Baumann, the injured Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, the ailing Angelo Stiller and Jamie Leweling. After the poor performance at the World Cup, Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rüdiger have ended their international careers. Nevertheless, five goalkeepers remain in the squad, including Marc‑André ter Stegen, who after 15 months is again considered a possible number 1.
Tresoldi thanks Klopp but delays the choice between Germany and Italy
Of the 26 World Cup participants, 15 remain in the new call‑up, led by captain Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich will, together with Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala and other regulars, lead the first match phase.
Job‑Sharing model and schedule
Klopp plans a job‑sharing model, in which after the second match a portion of the players will travel out and new ones will be brought in. The presumed first core squad with ter Stegen, the recovered Nico Schlotterbeck, Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl, Jamal Musiala, Kimmich and Havertz will contest the duels against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on 24 September and three days later against Greece in Augsburg. Squad two, framed by Florian Wirtz, Said El Mala and Nick Woltemade, will take on the games against Serbia in Munich on 1 October and three days later against Greece in Thessaloniki.
Fans can retrieve the complete call‑up and the match dates conveniently via the official app, which was developed especially for the current transition. With 44 players, 16 potential debutants and a rotating squad, Klopp sends a clear signal for a new era in German football.
Germany slips further in the FIFA ranking under Jürgen Klopp
The radical renewal is likely to bring not only fresh impetus to the national team, but also to strengthen the foundation for future tournaments in the long term.