Jurgen Klopp has unveiled two distinct Germany squads for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, marking his first official move as the national team’s head coach. In preparation for the quartet of matches against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (twice), he has selected a total of 44 players, divided into two separate groups. The combined roster includes 16 newcomers who have yet to earn a senior cap for Germany. Among these are Cologne’s promising forward Said El Mala, Max Rosenfelder and Philipp Treu from Freiburg, Derry Scherhant also from Freiburg, and Celtic midfielder Mika Baur, who all represent fresh talent being given a chance on the international stage.
Klopp’s selections also feature some noteworthy omissions. Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was left out, a decision Klopp explained was due to fitness concerns. Additionally, the veteran captain Joshua Kimmich will be deployed in midfield, a shift from the right‑back role he often occupied under former coach Julian Nagelsmann. The announcement was accompanied by a promotional note: Sky Sports subscribers can claim a free 12‑month subscription to The Athletic, enter a draw for sports tickets and enjoy other benefits through the Sky Sports Rewards programme, subject to terms and conditions.
Nagelsmann stepped down after Germany’s disappointing exit in the World Cup round of 32 at the hands of Paraguay, paving the way for Klopp’s appointment. In a further update, Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, has been confirmed as the first‑choice goalkeeper for the national side. The squad also sees the recall of forward Karim Adeyemi, Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach, and Brentford attacker Kevin Schade. One of the two groups will be utilised for the opening two fixtures: the match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday, September 24, followed three days later by a game against Greece in Augsburg on September 27.
The second group will take the field for the encounter with Serbia in Munich on October 1 and the away clash with Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4. During his press conference, Klopp also delivered a political message by wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with the phrase "one of 83 million" in the colours of the German flag.
Germany is currently navigating a turbulent political climate, highlighted by the recent electoral success of the far‑right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in the state of Saxony‑Anhalt. When asked about the cap’s significance, Klopp responded that the nation needs to "rediscover the fun in all of this" and expressed a hope that he would not have to discuss politics in the future.
He added, "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." Klopp’s cap is widely interpreted as a response to the Saxony‑Anhalt state election results, where the AfD secured over 43 percent of the vote, achieving a majority and underscoring the party’s growing influence in eastern Germany. While the AfD’s surge is most visible in the former East, its anti‑immigration and nationalist rhetoric resonates in other regions, especially areas experiencing industrial decline.
The party’s strong polling at both state and federal levels over recent years has heightened anxiety among many citizens, fueling division and unrest. Beyond the immediate political flashpoint, Klopp’s gesture raises broader questions about the nature of patriotism in contemporary Germany. The legacy of National Socialism complicates any public display of national symbols, and the nation’s ongoing grappling with multiculturalism adds further layers of nuance.
Symbols such as the flag can be interpreted in multiple ways, sometimes being co‑opted by extremist elements for their own agendas. This ambiguity reflects a deeper societal split. Germany is a federal republic composed of states with distinct regional identities, each bringing its own perspective on the nation’s direction. The debate over what the flag represents—whether it is a unifying emblem or a contested symbol—mirrors the broader discourse about Germany’s identity in the 21st century.
Klopp’s decision to wear the cap, therefore, is not merely a fashion statement; it is an attempt to steer the conversation toward unity and positive national pride, detached from extremist appropriation. By invoking the phrase "one of 83 million," he emphasizes the shared citizenship of every German, encouraging a collective sense of belonging that transcends political divides.
The broader context of this development includes Germany’s recent footballing challenges. After a disappointing World Cup performance, the national team is seeking a fresh start under Klopp’s leadership.
The inclusion of a large pool of new players signals a willingness to rebuild and inject fresh energy into the squad. It also reflects Klopp’s reputation for nurturing young talent and fostering a team‑first mentality, traits that have defined his successful tenure at Liverpool.
In summary, Klopp’s cap serves as a symbolic call for unity amid a fragmented political landscape, while his squad selections underscore a commitment to renewal on the pitch. By blending a message of inclusive patriotism with strategic footballing decisions, Klopp aims to rally both the team and the nation around a common purpose.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company