Jurgen Klopp has announced two distinct German national team squads for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, marking his first major decision as the new head coach. In preparation for four matches—against the Netherlands, Serbia and two games versus Greece—Klopp has selected a total of 44 players, dividing them into two separate groups. The roster includes a notable contingent of 16 newcomers who have yet to earn a senior cap for Germany. Among these fresh faces are Cologne's promising striker Said El Mala, Max Rosenfelder and Philipp Treu from Freiburg, forward Derry Scherhant also from Freiburg, and Celtic's midfield prospect Mika Baur.
Their inclusion signals Klopp's willingness to broaden the talent pool and give young players a chance to prove themselves on the international stage. Equally striking are the omissions and role changes. Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav was left out of the squads, a decision Klopp attributed to fitness concerns rather than form. Meanwhile, long‑time captain Joshua Kimmich will be deployed in midfield, a shift from the right‑back position he often occupied under former coach Julian Nagelsmann.
This tactical adjustment underscores Klopp's intent to reshape Germany's playing style and make the most of Kimmich's versatility. The squads also feature a mix of established stars and loaned talent. Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, has been confirmed as the first‑choice goalkeeper.
Additionally, the lists see the recall of forward Karim Adeyemi, Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach, and Brentford striker Kevin Schade, all of whom have been performing well at their respective clubs. Klopp's first group will travel to Amsterdam for the opening match against the Netherlands on Thursday, September 24, and then head to Augsburg three days later for the first encounter with Greece on September 27.
The second group will be used for the October 1 clash with Serbia in Munich and the subsequent away fixture against Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4. Beyond the tactical and personnel matters, Klopp used his inaugural press conference to make a political statement.
He wore a baseball cap emblazoned with the words "one of 83 million" in the colors of the German flag. The phrase references the country's population and was intended as a call for unity during a period of political turbulence. The far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party had recently secured a decisive victory in the Saxony‑Anhalt state election, prompting concerns about rising nationalism and division.
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 spend time focused on football, it's meant to foster a sense of community and make us feel better. We have to create that atmosphere, but we also need people who embrace it." His remarks were widely interpreted as a direct response to the AfD's electoral success, which saw the party capture over 43 percent of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, giving it a majority in the state parliament. While the AfD's strength is most pronounced in the former East German states, its anti‑immigration, nationalist rhetoric also resonates in other regions, particularly in areas experiencing industrial decline.
The party's rise has been a source of anxiety for many Germans, who fear that the symbols of national pride could be co‑opted for extremist purposes. The broader debate in Germany concerns the acceptable form of patriotism. The country's history, especially the legacy of National Socialism, makes any display of national symbols a delicate matter.
As Germany grapples with modern challenges such as multiculturalism and regional disparities, the meaning of the flag and expressions of pride can be interpreted in divergent ways, sometimes even being weaponized by extremist groups. Klopp's cap thus serves as a microcosm of a larger societal conversation. Germany is a federal nation composed of states with distinct regional identities, and these differences often shape how political and cultural issues are perceived. The ongoing polarization highlights the need for a unifying narrative that can bridge these divides without allowing extremist factions to appropriate national symbols.
In the context of football, Klopp hopes that the sport can act as a catalyst for cohesion. By focusing on the game, he aims to create an environment where fans from all backgrounds can come together, celebrate shared achievements, and feel a collective sense of belonging.
His selection of a mixed squad, including both seasoned internationals and emerging talent, reflects this inclusive vision. The article originally appeared in The Athletic and is reproduced here under the permission of The Athletic Media Company. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company