Leaks destroy the secret: Jürgen Klopp's first DFB squad
Since yesterday, Thursday, the first squad of the new German national team coach Jürgen Klopp is official. What had been guarded for a long time like a state secret of the country was prematurely released through several leaks and thus took away a large part of the anticipation and surprise.
Analysis of the first DFB‑squad
This is not an insignificant point in the analysis of the first DFB‑squad of the 59‑year‑old coach. The squad was finally released after long rumors. The early leak has taken away a large part of the anticipation and surprise.
Besides the sporting aspects, the interface between the German national team and the German press landscape plays a crucial role for the future with national team coach Jürgen Klopp. Media coverage has already begun to discuss the selection. The analysis emphasizes that the press plays a not insignificant role for the future.
Klopp emphasized at his appointment that every German footballer with a valid player licence has the chance to be nominated for the national team. This statement was accompanied by a slightly sour aftertaste, because the term “Umbruch” previously often meant only minor changes. The sentence reflected the expectation that more players could be taken into account.
New overhaul instead of small adjustment
The term “Umbruch” in recent years at the DFB usually meant only a slight addition to the existing squad. Under Klopp, however, it is supposed to represent a genuine, comprehensive change. In contrast to previous coaches, who barely altered the squad, Klopp plans to incorporate several new players.
He did not choose based on name lists or past achievements, but on a performance principle, so that every player can prove himself. The principle also gives players from smaller clubs a chance. Thus, players who have only been active in the third division so far also receive a platform.
XXL‑squad with fresh faces
For this, he assembled an unusually large XXL‑squad, featuring names such as Felix Keidel, Yannik Engelhardt, Derry Scherhant, Philip Treu, Max Rosenfelder, Bambase Conte from TSG Hoffenheim, Mika Baur and Vitaly Janelt. Mika Baur, former Paderborn star who recently moved to Celtic Glasgow, and Vitaly Janelt from FC Brentford complete the profile. The selection includes both established professionals and young talents and is intended to bring fresh air to the national eleven.
Felix Keidel, a 23‑year‑old player of the promoted SV Elversberg, has a market value of €1.2 million according to estimates and was still playing in the 3rd League in the first half of 2025. His market value is low compared to other national players, which explains the surprise. Many wondered about his nomination: “Felix who?!”
While the early leaking dampened the anticipation, the composition of the squad shows that Klopp is indeed aiming for a profound overhaul. The upcoming friendly matches will constitute the first tests for the new concept. The next steps will reveal whether the principle bears fruit.