Jurgen Klopp names 44-man Germany squad for first major rebuild

Jurgen Klopp has begun his Germany tenure with an extensive overhaul, selecting a 44-man squad that includes 16 players yet to win an international cap.

The former club manager has chosen not to settle immediately on a first-choice team. Instead, Germany’s players have been split into two largely different groups for the nation’s four Nations League fixtures.

The first selection will play the Netherlands and Greece, while the second group is due to face Serbia and Greece.

Klopp said the plan would allow him to assess a wider range of players before making more settled decisions.

“I want to get to know as many players as possible,” he said. “There is no A or B team.”

The new coach’s arrival has already influenced some of Germany’s uncapped players. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib said Klopp’s involvement was a factor in his decision to represent Germany rather than Morocco, for whom he had played at youth level.

“There were also talks with Morocco, but they weren’t as intense as with Jurgen,” Ebnoutalib said.

Freiburg defender Philipp Treu is also looking forward to working with Klopp. His club team-mate Max Rosenfelder said the coach was someone who formed connections with people quickly.

Klopp has also looked beyond Germany’s established internationals by including players such as Felix Keidel and Mika Baur. Their selection reflects his intention to examine a broader pool of talent during the opening stage of his time in charge.

One of Klopp’s first significant choices was made in goal. He selected Marc-Andre ter Stegen after Manuel Neuer’s retirement from international football.

Ter Stegen has experienced considerable injury problems and had not played for Germany since June 2025. However, his return to regular football has led to another opportunity with the national team.

The goalkeeper said being back with Germany carried particular significance after his absence.

“It’s always something special for me, to be here again now,” Ter Stegen said. “I’m just happy to be 100 percent back.”