Jürgen Klopp is preparing to take charge of his first Germany matches with a distinctly pragmatic approach, as the former Liverpool manager begins the process of rebuilding the national side after a disappointing World Cup.
Klopp, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann following Germany’s last-32 exit, faces four UEFA Nations League fixtures in the coming weeks: the Netherlands away, Greece home and away, and Serbia at home. According to reports in Germany, he intends to name an expanded squad divided into two groups, with each group featuring in two of the four matches.
While matchday squads remain capped at 23 players, managers retain the freedom to call up larger groups. The strategy effectively turns the competitive fixtures into a controlled series of high-level preparation games as Klopp builds towards Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by the UK and Ireland.
Wirtz included but managed carefully
Bayer Leverkusen graduate Florian Wirtz is expected to be part of the squad. The attacking midfielder has found life difficult since his big-money move to Liverpool under Arne Slot in the summer of 2025, but he remains a key figure for Germany. Selecting him for only half the matches would reduce the risk of further injury while still giving Klopp a close look at one of his most talented players.
Early warning shot to media and association
Klopp has already set clear boundaries since his appointment. The 59-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract, emphasised that he accepted the role out of national pride rather than any personal need to return to the dugout after his time as Red Bull’s global head of football.
He has made plain that he will walk away without hesitation or compensation if results or personal circumstances demand it. Referring to the intense scrutiny faced by both Nagelsmann and England manager Thomas Tuchel during their time in Germany, Klopp said:
“I’m not doing this job for myself. I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
If tomorrow Jürgen Klopp is s*** then I will be gone. But if the DFB says, ‘Come on, let’s discontinue the job,’ then that is it.
And if you behave badly and don’t leave my family in peace I will be gone, I’ll just turn away. I love this job, but I’m always ready to call it quits.”
The message is unambiguous: Klopp is prepared to lead Germany, but only on his own terms.
