Klopp to name smaller Germany squad after praising ‘top-notch’ Greece display

Jurgen Klopp says Germany’s squad for their final UEFA Nations League matches will be cut to 23 or 24 players after he used the current international programme to assess a wider group.

Germany selected two different squads of 22 during the four-match period, but Klopp confirmed that approach will not continue when the team reconvenes in November.

“We will calmly analyse the two weeks and then in five weeks we have two international matches again with a reduced squad,” Klopp said after Germany’s 0-0 draw with Greece.

“Of course, we won’t be going there with 44 players. The door is open to everyone. If someone is not called up, they know it’s not because they’re not good enough, but because we have to stop at 23 or 24 players.”

Germany were unable to find a winning goal against Greece, who currently lead the group with eight points, but Klopp was highly satisfied with the performance.

The former Liverpool manager said he had been impressed by his players, particularly during a dominant first half.

“I’m very, very, very impressed with the team. If anything, I’m pleasantly surprised rather than disappointed. I wouldn’t have believed we were capable of playing a first half like that,” he said.

“The boys put in an incredible performance – top-notch in every respect, except for the fact that we didn’t convert our chances into goals or spot a better-positioned teammate in the final third.”

Germany’s attacking play became less precise after the 60-minute mark. Klopp attributed that drop in clarity in part to the demands placed on the players, who had played three days earlier.

“We got a bit unsettled around the 60-minute mark, so our movements lost some of their clarity. But we played just three days ago, it’s tough to maintain that kind of pace for the full 90 minutes.”

Klopp also praised Germany’s counter-pressing, while accepting that the strategy could expose the team when it failed.

“Our counter-pressing worked outstandingly well 90% of the time. The problem is, during that other 10% when it doesn’t work, things can get a bit complicated,” said the 59-year-old.

Germany will now have a month away from international football before Klopp selects his reduced squad for the final two Nations League fixtures.

They face Serbia on 13 November and the Netherlands on 16 November.