Jurgen Klopp, stepping into his new role as Germany's head coach, has announced two distinct squads for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, marking his first decisive action in the position. In preparation for four matches—against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece (twice)—Klopp has selected a total of 44 players, dividing them into two separate groups. The rosters feature a notable influx of fresh talent: sixteen individuals have yet to earn their first senior cap for Germany.
Among these newcomers are Cologne's promising forward Said El Mala, Max Rosenfelder and Philipp Treu from Freiburg, as well as Derry Scherhant, also hailing from the same club. Celtic's midfield prospect Mika Baur rounds out the list of debutants, underscoring Klopp's willingness to blend experience with youthful vigor. Klopp's selections also include some surprising omissions. Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was left out, a decision Klopp attributed to fitness concerns rather than form or tactical considerations.
Additionally, the long‑time captain Joshua Kimmich will be deployed in midfield, a shift from the right‑back role he often occupied under former coach Julian Nagelsmann. This positional change signals Klopp's intent to reshape the team's structure and exploit Kimmich's versatility.
The article also contains a brief promotional note: Sky Sports customers can obtain a complimentary twelve‑month subscription to The Athletic, enter contests for sports tickets, and enjoy other perks through the Sky Sports Rewards programme, subject to terms and conditions. Following a disappointing World Cup exit—Germany fell at the last‑32 stage to Paraguay—Julian Nagelsmann resigned, paving the way for Klopp's appointment.
In a parallel development, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax, has been confirmed as Germany's first‑choice keeper. The squads also see the return of striker Karim Adeyemi, Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach, and Brentford forward Kevin Schade, all of whom have been recalled to bolster the team.
The first group will take on the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday, September 24, and then travel to Augsburg to face Greece on September 27. The second contingent will be used for the match against Serbia in Munich on October 1, followed by an away game in Thessaloniki against Greece on October 4. Beyond the tactical decisions, Klopp used his inaugural press conference to send a political message.
He wore a baseball cap emblazoned with the words "one of 83 million" in the colors of the German flag. The statement comes at a time when Germany is navigating a turbulent political climate, highlighted by the recent electoral success of the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state of Saxony‑Anhalt. 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 community and lift spirits. We have to create that atmosphere, and we need people who embrace it." Klopp's choice of headwear is widely interpreted as a response to the Saxony‑Anhalt state election, 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 rise is most visible in the former East, its anti‑immigration, nationalist rhetoric also resonates in regions experiencing industrial decline across the country. The party's strong polling at both state and federal levels has generated anxiety among many Germans, fueling feelings of division and unease. The broader issue at stake is the definition of acceptable patriotism in contemporary Germany. The nation's flag and symbols of national pride carry complex connotations due to the legacy of National Socialism.
As Germany grapples with modern challenges such as multiculturalism and regional disparities, expressions of national identity can be interpreted in divergent ways, sometimes being co‑opted for extremist purposes. This ambiguity reflects a deeper societal split. Germany is a federal republic composed of states with distinct regional identities, each offering its own perspective on the nation's direction. The ongoing debate over what the flag represents—whether a unifying emblem of democratic values or a contested symbol—mirrors the country's struggle to reconcile its past with its present aspirations.
Klopp's remarks and his symbolic cap aim to steer the conversation toward unity, using football as a common ground to bridge political divides. By emphasizing that the sport should bring people together and foster a sense of belonging, he hopes to reclaim national symbols from extremist narratives and restore a positive, inclusive sense of pride. In summary, Klopp's inaugural squad selections demonstrate a blend of experienced internationals and promising newcomers, while his political gesture underscores a desire to promote cohesion in a fragmented political landscape. The cap, the choice of players, and the upcoming fixtures all serve as a backdrop for a larger conversation about identity, patriotism, and the role of sport in shaping national discourse.
This piece originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company