Only 24 receive tickets – seven of Klopp's players stay on the bench
Maja reports that after the German XXL squad for Jürgen Klopf's debut only 24 players received a ticket for the away matches in Serbia and against the Netherlands. This significantly narrows the selection for the upcoming qualification rounds. Most established national players are already set, while several young talents are fighting for a chance.
Core squad and big names
The usual regular starters include Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz. At the same time, several other players must prove themselves to earn a future chance in the DFB team.
Seven nominees were indeed added to the squad, but they are already on the bench. Their involvement therefore remains highly doubtful.
Goalkeepers in the shadows
Alexander Nübel ranks behind Marc‑André ter Stegen and Jonas Urbig, thus occupying the third spot in the goalkeeper hierarchy. Consequently, he is automatically on the bench.
The Besiktas goalkeeper must first prove himself in training sessions, as an appearance is unlikely. Other keepers such as Noah Atubolu, Finn Dahmen and Oliver Baumann are also waiting for a possible chance.
Selection candidates on the test bench
Christian Finn Jeltsch, 20, is considered one of the biggest German defensive talents and can count himself lucky to have been nominated. His presence in the squad is a sign of confidence.
Jeltsch was in the squad at VfB Stuttgart at the start of the season, but he did not feature from the start in the last two Bundesliga and Champions League matches. Thus the pitch remained denied to him.
Although he was in the squad against Serbia and in Greece, Jeltsch received no minutes and so far has no A‑international appearance. His international experience therefore remains lacking.
The nomination is considered tight, as Jeltsch is under close scrutiny and numerous alternatives are available. A permanent spot is not yet secured.
Yan Bisseck can play both as a centre‑back and as a right‑back and has gathered convincing arguments at Inter. His versatility strengthens his prospects.
Malick Thiaw is in a similar situation to Jeltsch: the Newcastle centre‑back was indeed regularly in the squad, but sat on the bench for two of the last three league games. His playing time is therefore limited.
The 25‑year‑old Thiaw has so far no major standing in the national team and must continuously prove himself. He could feel the pressure from Bisseck, who was surprisingly not nominated.
Maxi Mittelstädt, 29, has been delivering consistently good performances since a turbulent period at VfB Stuttgart. He earned the nomination in November over Leipzig captain David Raum.
Raum started the new season weakly, but has recently shown form again. Consequently, his place in the squad remains contested.
Both left‑backs have different profiles and have been in a direct duel for the national position for years. Their respective strengths give the coach various options.