Ter Stegen given Germany starting role as Hamann questions Klopp’s decision

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been named Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for their Nations League matches against Serbia and the Netherlands, but the decision has drawn sharp criticism from former international Dietmar Hamann.

Germany manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday that the Barcelona goalkeeper, who is on loan at Ajax Amsterdam, would start both fixtures. Klopp’s decision follows what he described as an impressive season from Ter Stegen in the Netherlands.

The matches will take place on 13 November 2026 against Serbia and on 16 November 2026 against the Netherlands, both in the First Path of the Nations League.

Klopp defended his selection after announcing Germany’s squad, highlighting the form of several goalkeepers.

“Marc is having a great season in Amsterdam and, fortunately, Urbig and Nubel are also having very good seasons,” Klopp said. “We will go into these two matches with Marc as our first-choice goalkeeper.”

However, Hamann believes Ter Stegen has not done enough at international level to merit the position. The former Germany midfielder and international criticised the decision in comments reported by Mondo Deportivo.

“I don’t think he deserves it. He has not performed well for the national team,” Hamann said.

“He is the first-choice goalkeeper because we no longer have Manuel Neuer or Oliver Kahn. I don’t think he deserves it.”

The comments come as Ter Stegen attempts to establish himself as Germany’s undisputed goalkeeper after receiving Klopp’s backing ahead of the two Nations League games.

Kahn backs Ter Stegen opportunity

Oliver Kahn, the former Germany goalkeeper, offered a different assessment from Hamann and supported Klopp’s decision to give Ter Stegen the opportunity.

“At the moment, Ter Stegen appears to be in good shape,” Kahn said. “He deserved to be called up. Now he has to prove it with his performances.”

The contrasting views have created a clear divide in Germany over Ter Stegen’s position.

Hamann argues that the Barcelona goalkeeper has not earned the starting role through his displays for the national team, while Kahn believes his current form justified his selection and that he now has the chance to demonstrate his ability on the pitch.

Germany will face Serbia on 13 November 2026 before meeting the Netherlands three days later on 16 November 2026. Ter Stegen is expected to begin both matches as Klopp’s chosen number one.