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 (twice), he selected a total of 44 players, dividing them into two separate groups. The call‑up list features 16 newcomers who have yet to earn their first senior cap for Germany. Among them are Cologne's promising forward Said El Mala, young talents Max Rosenfelder and Philipp Treu, Derry Scherhant from Freiburg, and Celtic midfielder Mika Baur.
Their inclusion signals Klopp's intention to blend fresh blood with experienced campaigners as he reshapes the national side. Some notable omissions also sparked discussion.
Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav was left out, a decision Klopp explained was driven by fitness concerns rather than form. Additionally, the veteran captain Joshua Kimmich will now operate primarily as a midfielder, a shift from the right‑back role he often occupied under former coach Julian Nagelsmann. The former Liverpool manager also confirmed that Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona, will serve as the first‑choice goalkeeper for the upcoming matches.
Other recalls include forward Karim Adeyemi, Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach, and Brentford attacker Kevin Schade, all of whom have been reintegrated into the national pool. The first of Klopp's squads will take the field for the opening two games: a clash with the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday, September 24, followed three days later by a meeting with Greece in Augsburg on September 27. The second group will be deployed 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 selections, Klopp used his press conference to send a political message.
He appeared wearing 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 turbulent political period. The far‑right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) had recently secured a decisive victory in the Saxony‑Anhalt state election, raising concerns about growing extremism. 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 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 response to the AfD's success in Saxony‑Anhalt, where the party captured over 43 percent of the vote, achieving a parliamentary majority. While the AfD's strength is most pronounced in eastern Germany, its anti‑immigration, nationalist rhetoric also resonates in regions facing industrial decline and economic hardship across the country.
The party's rise has been a persistent source of anxiety, contributing to a climate of division and anger among many Germans. The broader debate, however, extends beyond a single election.
It touches on the very nature of patriotism in Germany. What does it mean to display the flag, and how should national symbols be used in a society still grappling with the legacy of National Socialism? As Germany becomes increasingly multicultural, expressions of pride can be viewed through multiple lenses—some see them as healthy affirmation, while others fear they may be co‑opted by extremist forces.
This tension reflects a deeper fragmentation within the nation. Germany is a federal republic composed of states with distinct regional identities, each bringing its own historical perspective to the national conversation.
The clash between regional loyalties and a unified German identity adds another layer of complexity to discussions about symbols, politics, and sport. Klopp's decision to wear the cap therefore operates on several levels. On the surface, it is a simple fashion choice meant to highlight the shared identity of the 83 million citizens. Beneath that, it is an attempt to reclaim national symbols from extremist appropriation and to remind the public that football can serve as a unifying force.
By emphasizing community, joy, and collective pride, he hopes to steer the narrative away from divisive politics and toward a more inclusive sense of belonging. The coach's approach mirrors a broader trend in modern sport, where athletes and managers increasingly use their platforms to address societal issues. Whether through statements, apparel, or charitable actions, they recognize the influence they wield beyond the pitch. In Klopp's case, the cap becomes a visual shorthand for a message of solidarity, urging Germans to celebrate their common heritage while rejecting hateful ideologies.
As the Nations League matches approach, all eyes will be on how Klopp's selections perform on the field and whether his symbolic gestures resonate with the public. The games against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece will not only test the tactical acumen of the new coach but also serve as a litmus test for the broader conversation about national identity, unity, and the role of sport in a politically charged environment. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company