Sammer blasts Undav’s exclusion from Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad
Deniz Undav was omitted from Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad, a decision that shocked many after the striker’s strong showing at the 2026 World Cup. Former Germany captain Matthias Sammer openly criticised the exclusion on the Sky show ‘Sammer & Basile – Der Hagedorn Talk’, questioning Klopp’s selection policy.
World Cup form not enough
Undav arrived at the tournament as one of Germany’s most effective attackers, registering five scorer points – three goals and two assists – during the 2026 World Cup. Those contributions placed him among the tournament’s top German performers. Yet the national‑team manager chose to overlook him for the inaugural squad.
His club form deteriorated after the summer, with a weak start to the season at VfB Stuttgart. The striker failed to replicate his international impact, prompting the coach to keep him out of the national‑team picture. The decision was framed as a response to his recent club performances.
Undav expressed his disappointment, saying: “I was briefly disappointed because I thought I had built a buffer through the World Cup and my appearances in the national team. Apparently that’s not the case again and I have to prove myself anew.” He added, “I have already had a war this summer. Now I have to prove myself again. I have had it all my life.”
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Sammer and Klopp defend the decision
Sammer responded with a stark message: “Welcome to life, welcome to elite sport, welcome to brutality, even with changes. If you want loans, you have to go to the bank. Everything else you have to work out again.” He praised Klopp’s uncompromising approach, stating: “Jürgen Klopp is, and I love that, in elite sport not willing to compromise. He is uncompromising.” Sammer also outlined Klopp’s tactical blueprint, noting that the coach “has a certain idea of how he wants football to be played and which players he needs: high work‑rate, intensity, immediate reaction when the ball is lost.”
While Sammer said, “At the moment I would not have nominated him,” he qualified his view: “At the moment! I would keep a close eye on him because his qualities can help you later when you have issues in the box. So in short: I would not have nominated him now, but I have spoken with the coach to say this is a snapshot.”
Klopp himself addressed the omission in a press conference, explaining: “I have spoken with Deniz. He has his small problems and has not yet found his form this season. I wanted to choose four strikers and for the moment I have chosen the others.” The manager left the door open for future reconsideration.
Sammer concluded that Undav remains on his radar, suggesting that a return to form at VfB Stuttgart could earn him another look from the national team. Klopp’s current selection reflects a focus on immediate impact, but both men acknowledged that the situation is fluid.