Klopp names 44-player Germany pool for first Nations League window
Jürgen Klopp has selected a 44-player Germany pool for his first international window as head coach, dividing the group into two separate squads for four Nations League matches across an extended three-week period.
Klopp begins Germany role with expanded player pool
Klopp took over from Julian Nagelsmann in July after a spell overseeing Red Bull’s football operations, and has moved quickly to widen his assessment of the national-team options. Germany’s four fixtures in a short period have led him to name an unusually large group, with players set to work in two distinct phases rather than remain together for the entire camp.
The new coach said the schedule had shaped his thinking, describing four international matches in two weeks as highly unusual. His objective, he explained, is to spend time with as many potential Germany players as possible during the window.
The approach comes after Germany’s difficult World Cup, where the side exited at the round-of-32 stage against Paraguay. Klopp now begins a Nations League programme intended to provide an early opportunity to assess his squad depth.
Two groups will cover four Nations League fixtures
Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala are among the prominent names assigned to the opening pair of matches. Florian Wirtz will instead join the camp for the latter two fixtures, when Germany will replace the first group with a new selection.
- September 24: Netherlands v Germany
- September 27: Germany v Greece
- October 1: Germany v Serbia
- October 4: Greece v Germany
The Netherlands away match will be Klopp’s first game in charge. Germany then host Greece three days later before the full squad change ahead of Serbia’s visit on October 1 and the return meeting with Greece on October 4.
Keidel earns first call-up as Undav misses out
The most eye-catching inclusion is Felix Keidel, the 23-year-old Elversberg midfielder, who receives his first senior Germany call-up. His selection became public before the official squad announcement, prompting a pointed response from Klopp at his Wednesday press conference.
Klopp said he had spoken with Keidel the previous evening about the attention created by the leak. While he maintained that the early disclosure itself did not trouble him, he criticised the practice of publishing such information before it was due to be announced, calling it a poor way to make a living.
Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav has not been selected. Undav was Germany’s leading scorer at the recent World Cup, but will not be involved in Klopp’s opening international camp.
Early tests await Klopp’s rebuilt Germany side
The split-squad plan gives Klopp a chance to work with a broader range of players immediately, while also limiting the demands placed on individuals during a busy international period. Havertz and Musiala will be part of the first examination in Amsterdam, while Wirtz is due to feature after the rotation.
Germany’s results against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia will offer the first indication of how Klopp intends to reshape the side following the World Cup disappointment and his July appointment.
