Klopps' balancing act between test and result endangers Euro qualification

In the training camp in Munich, Jürgen Klopp faces a decision he calls his “Klopp split”: He is using the Nations League to test numerous newcomers, even though the result could jeopardise Euro qualification.

Second squad for the Nations League

The German Football Association (DFB) has named a second squad for the upcoming matches against Serbia and Greece. Included are Finn Jeltsch, a 20‑year‑old centre‑back at VfB Stuttgart, and Vitaly Janelt, 28, who has been a regular in defensive midfield at FC Brentford in the Premier League since 2020. Also Mika Baur, 22, son of handball world champion Markus Baur, comes from Celtic Glasgow and has not yet played a Bundesliga match.

Results and consequences

Only six players remained in the squad after the 0:1 defeat to Greece on Sunday. The two remaining Nations League matches in Munich and Athens were filled almost entirely with new faces, which led to another 1:1 draw against the Netherlands and an unlucky loss to Greece. Klopp commented on the result in Sportschau: “There is no reason for me to fall into depression now and say we are that bad. Aren’t we!” And further: “But we are not already as good as we would like to be.”

Importance for Euro qualification

The Nations League is not only a side competition, but it influences Euro qualification 2028. Group winners get the chance to qualify via play‑offs, while a good finish in the overall table secures a better pot in the qualification draw on 6 December in Belfast. Germany needs at least second place to reach the final tournament, with a third place sufficient to avoid relegation to League B.

German media predict three-way points race in Nations League group

Klopp emphasises that the experiments were deliberately chosen, even though they carry the risk of losing points. “Steps are never big enough. It never goes fast enough. But in the end there will be a moment, in the near future, when we are ready to be uncomfortable for any opponent,” he said. He also added: “The boys must at some point play football with a lot of confidence.”

The press appointments of the German national team currently also serve as introductory events. On Tuesday the DFB put Finn Jeltsch, Mika Baur and Vitaly Janelt in front of the microphones – three names that may not mean much to even some Bundesliga fans. The selection could also have included goalkeepers such as Noah Atubolu, Finn Dahmen and Jonas Urbig, who have also not yet earned a cap.

Overall the current approach shows that the German Football Association’s strategy aims not only at short‑term results but at long‑term development. The split between testing and results, however, remains a balancing act whose outcome can significantly affect Euro qualification.