Jurgen Klopp has taken his first steps as Germany's new head coach by announcing two distinct squads for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. In preparation for the four matches against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (two encounters), the German manager has selected a total of 44 players, dividing them into two separate groups. The rosters feature a notable influx of fresh talent, with 16 individuals who have yet to earn a senior cap for the national side. Among these newcomers are Cologne's promising forward Said El Mala, Max Rosenfelder, Philipp Treu and Derry Scherhant, who ply their trade at Freiburg, and Celtic's midfield prospect Mika Baur.
Their inclusion signals Klopp's willingness to broaden the talent pool and give young prospects a chance to prove themselves on the international stage. Equally significant are the decisions to leave out certain established names. Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was omitted for fitness reasons, a choice Klopp explained openly during the press briefing. Additionally, long‑time captain Joshua Kimmich will now operate primarily as a midfielder, a shift from the right‑back role he frequently occupied under former coach Julian Nagelsmann.
This tactical adjustment underscores Klopp's intent to reshape the team's structure and make the most of Kimmich's versatility. The announcement also confirmed that Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, will serve as Germany's first‑choice goalkeeper. The squad also sees the return of several players who have been absent from recent selections, including Karim Adeyemi, Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach and Brentford forward Kevin Schade.
Their recalls add depth and experience to a side that is undergoing a period of transition. The first of the two groups will be deployed for the opening two matches: a clash with 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 final away fixture against Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4. Beyond the tactical and personnel matters, Klopp used his inaugural press conference to deliver a political message, wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with the words "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 for Germany (AfD) party in the state of Saxony‑Anhalt. In response to questions about the cap, Klopp said, "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." Klopp's cap was widely interpreted as a reaction to the state election results in Saxony‑Anhalt, where the AfD secured over 43 percent of the vote and obtained a governing majority.
This outcome reflects a broader trend of growing support for the party across eastern Germany, but the phenomenon is not confined to the former East. The AfD's anti‑immigration, nationalist rhetoric resonates in other regions, particularly in areas experiencing industrial decline.
Their strong polling numbers at both state and federal levels have caused considerable anxiety among many Germans, fueling concerns about division and extremism. The broader debate centers on the acceptable form of patriotism in contemporary Germany. The nation'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, symbols like the flag can be interpreted in multiple ways—sometimes as a unifying emblem, other times as a tool for extremist appropriation.
This ambiguity mirrors the deeper fragmentation within German society. Different regions and demographic groups hold varied visions of what Germany represents and what its future should look like.
The federal structure of the country, composed of states with distinct regional identities, further complicates the conversation about national unity and political direction. Klopp's decision to wear the cap therefore operates on several levels. On one hand, it is a personal statement aimed at reclaiming the flag from extremist co‑optation and encouraging a sense of collective pride rooted in democratic values. On the other hand, it acknowledges the reality of a divided public sphere where symbols can be weaponised.
By linking his football platform with a call for unity, Klopp seeks to harness the unifying power of sport to bridge societal gaps. The press conference also featured a commercial segment, reminding Sky Sports customers that they can receive a complimentary 12‑month subscription to The Athletic, enter contests for sports tickets, and access other rewards, subject to terms and conditions.
In summary, Klopp's first act as Germany's head coach has been multifaceted: he has introduced fresh talent, reshaped tactical roles, confirmed key players, and used his visibility to address a pressing political issue. The two‑squad approach allows him to test different combinations across the Nations League schedule, while his cap serves as a visual reminder that football can be a vehicle for positive national sentiment.
As the team prepares for the upcoming matches in Amsterdam, Augsburg, Munich and Thessaloniki, all eyes will be on how Klopp's selections perform on the pitch and how his broader message resonates off it. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company