Klopp reveals how Germany will replace Kimmich as captain

Jurgen Klopp says Germany’s next captain will be the most-capped player in the starting line-up against Serbia on Thursday, with Joshua Kimmich rested as part of the manager’s plan to give younger and less experienced players an opportunity.

The Nations League match will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, where Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig is set to make his first international appearance.

Asked at Wednesday’s pre-match news conference who would wear the captain’s armband, Klopp said: “The player with the most international caps among those in the starting line-up will be captain tomorrow. You can ask, but I will not reveal the starting line-up now. You can work it out for yourselves.”

He added jokingly: “The only thing I can say is that Jonas Urbig will not be wearing the captain’s armband in his first international match.”

Germany are seeking their first victory under Klopp after drawing 1-1 away to the Netherlands in their opening Nations League fixture before suffering a surprise 1-0 home defeat by Greece in their second game.

The result leaves Germany third in Group B with one point. Greece lead the section on six points, followed by the Netherlands on four, while Serbia are bottom without a point.

Klopp dismisses racist social media posts

Klopp also rejected racist posts aimed at Germany’s national team in recent days, after some social media users claimed the squad was not “German enough”.

“I haven’t seen them,” he said. “In my opinion, there is absolutely no reason to give those people any attention. I don’t have much time for stupidity in real life, and I don’t have time for it on social media either.”

“The big problem in our lives is that everyone can express their opinion on social networks. People talk nonsense; it is madness. Our group could not be more united. The world could learn a thing or two from sports dressing rooms.”

Looking ahead to Serbia, Klopp said their approach would be similar to the style Greece had shown, but highlighted the experience within the Serbian squad as a particular threat.

“Serbia’s style will not be very different from what Greece offered,” Klopp said. “What makes Serbia especially difficult is their experience. They also have some excellent players. They know every trick of the game, so we have to be ready for that. They have a special mentality.”

He added: “This is not the best period for Serbian football, but the players know what is at stake and have fought for one another. A team that sits deep and defends represents a major challenge for any opponent, at any stage of development.”