Jurgen Klopp, in his inaugural move as Germany's new national team manager, announced two distinct squads for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. This decision, made in preparation for four matches against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (twice), sees a total of 44 players split into two groups, each earmarked for specific fixtures.
The first roster contains a notable influx of fresh talent: sixteen players have yet to earn a senior cap for Germany. Among them are Cologne's promising forward Said El Mala, the young duo Max Rosenfelder and Philipp Treu from Freiburg, the attacking prospect Derry Scherhant, also of Freiburg, and Celtic's midfield youngster Mika Baur. Their inclusion signals Klopp's intention to broaden the talent pool and inject new energy into the squad. Equally noteworthy are the omissions and role changes Klopp has implemented.
Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was left out, with the coach citing fitness concerns as the primary reason. In a tactical shift, long‑time captain Joshua Kimmich will now operate in midfield rather than his previous deployment as a right‑back under former coach Julian Nagelsmann.
This move underscores Klopp's desire to maximize Kimmich's vision and passing range from a more central position. The article also contains a promotional segment: Sky Sports customers can receive a complimentary twelve‑month subscription to The Athletic, as well as opportunities to win tickets and other rewards, subject to terms and conditions.
Klopp's appointment follows the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's exit in the round of 32 at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Paraguay. In the goalkeeper department, Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, has been confirmed as the first‑choice custodian. The squad also sees the recall of several players who have been performing well abroad, such as Karim Adeyemi, Anton Stach of Leeds United, and Brentford forward Kevin Schade. Logistically, the first group will travel to Amsterdam for the match against the Netherlands on Thursday, September 24, and then head to Augsburg for the Greece encounter on September 27.
The second group will be deployed for the Serbia clash in Munich on October 1, followed by the away game against Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4. Beyond the tactical and selection aspects, Klopp made a clear political statement during his press conference by wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with the words "one of 83 million" in the colors of the German flag.
Germany is currently navigating a turbulent political landscape, highlighted by the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's recent electoral success in the state of Saxony‑Anhalt. In response, Klopp used the platform to call for unity and to reclaim national symbols from extremist appropriation. When asked about the cap, Klopp explained, "We need to rediscover the fun in all of this. I hope I won't have to talk about political matters in the future, but I want to reclaim the flag for us so that people feel happy and fortunate to live in this wonderful country.
I don't want to leave national pride to the wrong people. It fills me with pride to do this job. When we focus on football, it should foster a sense of community and make us feel better.
We have to create that atmosphere, but we also need people who embrace it." The cap is widely interpreted as a direct reaction to the state election results in Saxony‑Anhalt, where the AfD secured over 43 percent of the vote, gaining a majority and further cementing its growing influence in eastern Germany. However, the party's reach is not confined to the former East; its anti‑immigration, nationalist rhetoric resonates in regions experiencing industrial decline and economic hardship across the country. The Saxony‑Anhalt outcome is part of a broader pattern of rising AfD support at both state and federal levels, fueling anxiety and division among many Germans.
Klopp's gesture raises broader questions about the nature of patriotism in contemporary Germany. The legacy of the Nazi era makes expressions of national pride a delicate matter, and the country's evolving demographic landscape—marked by increasing multiculturalism—adds layers of complexity. Symbols such as the flag can be interpreted in multiple ways, sometimes co‑opted by extremist groups for malicious purposes, while for others they represent genuine affection for the nation. This tension reflects a deeper, systemic division within German society.
Different regions, each with its own historical identity and economic realities, hold divergent visions of what Germany should become. The federal structure, composed of states with strong regional cultures, further amplifies these contrasting perspectives on politics, identity, and the role of national symbols. In the context of football, Klopp's stance underscores his belief that the sport can serve as a unifying force, transcending political fault lines. By emphasizing community, shared joy, and a collective love for the game, he hopes to steer public discourse away from polarising rhetoric and toward a more inclusive national narrative.
Overall, Klopp's first actions as Germany's head coach—both on the pitch with his squad selections and off the pitch with his political messaging—signal a commitment to refresh the team's tactical approach while also championing a form of patriotism that is inclusive, positive, and rooted in the shared experience of football. This dual focus aims to inspire both players and fans, fostering a sense of belonging that counters the divisive narratives gaining traction in the country's political arena.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company