Jurgen Klopp has taken his first decisive step as the new head coach of the German national team by announcing two distinct squads for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. In preparation for the four matches that will see Germany face the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (twice), Klopp selected a total of 44 players, dividing them into two separate groups that will be deployed on specific dates and venues. The first roster, intended for the opening clash against the Dutch in Amsterdam on Thursday, September 24, and the subsequent game versus Greece in Augsburg on September 27, includes a blend of seasoned internationals and fresh faces. Among the newcomers are sixteen individuals who have never before earned a senior cap for Germany.
Notable among these are Said El Mala, a promising forward from Cologne, as well as Max Rosenfelder, Philipp Treu and Derry Scherhant, all of whom have been making waves at Freiburg. Celtic’s young midfielder Mika Baur also earned a call‑up, underscoring Klopp’s willingness to look beyond the Bundesliga for talent.
The second squad, which will travel to Munich for the September 30 encounter with Serbia and then head to Thessaloniki for the final Nations League meeting with Greece on October 4, features a different mix of players. It includes the return of Karim Adeyemi, the dynamic attacker currently on loan at Liverpool, and Anton Stach, who has been impressing at Leeds United. Brentford’s forward Kevin Schade also makes the list, highlighting the coach’s intent to blend experience with emerging potential. Klopp’s selections also contain several strategic omissions and role changes.
Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was left out, a decision Klopp explained was driven by fitness concerns rather than form. More strikingly, long‑time captain Joshua Kimmich, who was often deployed as a right‑back under former coach Julian Nagelsmann, will now operate primarily in midfield, reflecting Klopp’s desire to exploit his vision and passing range from a more central position. Goalkeeping duties have been handed to Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, who, despite being on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, has been confirmed as Germany’s first‑choice keeper for the upcoming fixtures. This choice signals confidence in his experience and shot‑stopping ability, even as he continues to develop his game abroad.
Beyond the tactical considerations, Klopp used his press conference to deliver a potent political message. He arrived wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with the phrase "one of 83 million" in the colors of the German flag. The cap was a clear reference to the nation’s population and a symbolic gesture aimed at fostering unity during a period of heightened political tension. Germany is currently navigating a fractious political climate, intensified by the recent success of the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the state elections of Saxony‑Anhalt, where the party secured over 43 percent of the vote and achieved a governing majority.
Klopp’s cap, therefore, was interpreted by many observers as a subtle rebuke of the AfD’s growing influence and a call for a more inclusive sense of national pride. When asked about the cap’s significance, Klopp responded, "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 highlighted a broader debate within Germany about the acceptable form of patriotism. The legacy of the Nazi era has made the display of national symbols a delicate matter, and contemporary discussions often revolve around how to express pride without evoking the darker chapters of history. The rise of the AfD, with its anti‑immigration and nationalist rhetoric, has amplified these concerns, especially in regions experiencing economic decline or demographic change. While the AfD’s recent electoral triumph in Saxony‑Anhalt is a focal point, the party’s influence is not confined to the former East Germany.
Its messaging resonates in various parts of the country, particularly in industrial areas where voters feel left behind by globalization and seek alternatives to the established parties. This broader appeal has resulted in consistently strong polling for the AfD at both state and federal levels over the past several years, fueling anxiety among many citizens who fear a drift toward exclusionary politics. Klopp’s cap, therefore, serves as a micro‑symbol of a larger societal conversation: how can Germans celebrate their nation in a way that is inclusive, forward‑looking, and detached from extremist appropriation?
The question touches on deeper issues of identity, regional diversity, and the federal structure of the country, where each state retains its own cultural nuances and historical narratives. In the context of football, Klopp believes the sport can act as a unifying force. By focusing on the game, he hopes to create a shared space where people from different backgrounds can come together, celebrate common achievements, and set aside divisive politics.
His call to "reclaim the flag" is an invitation to channel national pride into positive, community‑building experiences rather than allowing it to be hijacked by radical elements. As Germany prepares for its Nations League campaign, the selections made by Klopp will be scrutinized not only for their tactical merit but also for how they reflect his broader vision of a cohesive, proud, yet inclusive nation. The matches against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece will provide an early test of his ideas on the pitch, while his symbolic cap will continue to spark discussion off it.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company