Klopp’s Germany rebuild: Neuer succession, misfiring No 9 and fading Bayern-Dortmund core among key tests

Germany’s decision to hand the national team to Jurgen Klopp comes with a clear mandate: halt a decade of decline and turn the Mannschaft back into contenders for major titles by Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.

Once a near-permanent fixture in the latter stages of World Cups and European Championships, Germany have spent the years since their 2014 World Cup triumph searching for an identity and their former aura. Successive disappointments have followed, culminating in an early exit in the last 32 at the 2026 World Cup – the latest chapter in a prolonged downturn.

European Championships have offered little respite. After reaching the Euro 2008 final and two subsequent semi-finals, Germany have steadily regressed: out in the last 16 at Euro 2020, then eliminated in the quarter-finals at Euro 2024. Their struggles on the global stage have continued in parallel.

The German Football Association has now turned to Klopp, one of the most influential coaches of his generation, in the hope he can lead a new long-term project. Yet the task facing the former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager is complex, with five pressing issues demanding swift decisions if Germany are to become genuine contenders again.

Goalkeeper succession after Neuer

The first and perhaps most sensitive question for Klopp involves the goalkeeper position, where long-time first-choice Manuel Neuer remains a towering figure but no longer the automatic solution.

Neuer is now 40 and, while still trusted by both Bayern Munich and Germany in recent years, the statistical evidence points to a clear decline in performance – a natural consequence of age. The absence of an undisputed successor has prolonged his tenure, but the need to identify a permanent heir can no longer be postponed.

Options are not plentiful. Marc-Andre ter Stegen retains a big reputation but will be 38 by the time the 2030 World Cup begins. Oliver Baumann is also moving into the latter stages of his career, while Alexander Nubel has yet to convince critics that he is ready for the role at international level.

In contrast, there is excitement around younger candidates. Jonas Urbig, 22, is regarded as one of Bayern Munich’s most promising emerging goalkeepers, and Moritz Nicolas, 28, significantly enhanced his reputation with an impressive season at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Choosing a clear direction in goal will be central to Klopp’s project, with the position viewed inside German football as the foundation stone of any successful side.

Unlocking Wirtz and Musiala

Further forward, Germany’s two brightest attacking talents have yet to fully translate their club promise onto the international stage.

Florian Wirtz endured a difficult first full season at senior level, and that inconsistency carried over to the national team. At the 2026 World Cup he registered three assists but failed to score.

Jamal Musiala, meanwhile, has struggled to regain his pre-injury rhythm. The Bayern playmaker has not returned to his peak since suffering a serious leg fracture at the Club World Cup more than a year ago, and managed just one goal at the 2026 World Cup – in the 7-1 win over Curacao.

Both players are 23, entering what are expected to be their prime years over the next four seasons. The expectation inside Germany is that Klopp will construct his attacking framework around Wirtz and Musiala, finding a structure that maximises their creativity and end product ahead of 2030.

Ongoing search for a reliable No 9

As with the goalkeeping situation, the centre-forward role has become a persistent problem for Germany.

Julian Nagelsmann experimented with several options, including Nick Woltemade, Jonathan Burkardt and Niclas Fullkrug, but none established themselves as the long-term answer or produced performances strong enough to end the debate.

Kai Havertz remains in contention, having been used both for club and country at centre-forward. However, his inconsistency in front of goal and the fact his natural position is not as a traditional striker continue to count against him as the definitive choice for the role.

Finding a forward capable of scoring regularly is one of Klopp’s most urgent challenges. In recent tournaments, the national team has lacked the decisive, penalty-box striker who can tilt tight, high-stakes matches in Germany’s favour.

Bayern and Dortmund no longer dominating the core

Historically, the spine of the German national team has been drawn heavily from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, with both clubs supplying much of the talent that powered the side through its most successful eras.

That pattern shifted noticeably at the 2026 World Cup. Only 10 players in the squad came from the two clubs – six from Bayern and four from Dortmund – and roughly half of that group were already over 30.

Long-term options from those teams look relatively limited. Nico Schlotterbeck, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Jamal Musiala, Lennart Krail and Felix Nmecha stand out as the most prominent younger names. Jonathan Tah and Joshua Kimmich could continue to form part of the core if they maintain their levels, while Karim Adeyemi will need to rediscover his best form to remain in the picture.

Germany have increasingly drawn from a wider pool across Europe’s leagues, but history suggests their greatest successes have coincided with a strong, home-based backbone from Bayern and Dortmund. Re-establishing that solid domestic core is seen as important if Klopp is to build a side capable of competing at the highest level over several cycles.

Repairing trust with fans and media

Beyond tactics and selection, Klopp also inherits a relationship problem. Trust between the national team, the German public and the media has eroded over a series of disappointing tournaments, particularly at World Cups.

Results will ultimately be the quickest route to restoring faith, but Klopp’s charismatic personality and reputation as a communicator are viewed as potential assets in changing the mood around the Mannschaft.

German media outlets are known for their sharp criticism, yet they also rally behind teams and coaches when success arrives. For Klopp, establishing a constructive working relationship with the press could help ease external pressure and create a calmer environment.

If he can combine that off-field reset with clear solutions in goal, a functioning attack, a settled No 9 and a rejuvenated Bayern-Dortmund core, Germany believe they can once again take their place among Europe’s and the world’s elite.