Klopp tipped to stick with Kimmich as Germany captain in new era, says Voller

Rudi Voller expects Jurgen Klopp to keep faith with Joshua Kimmich as Germany captain as the new national team coach begins reshaping the side after their early exit from the 2026 World Cup.

Klopp took charge of the national team last week, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann, who left his post following Germany’s elimination in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Germany were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

German fans are now watching closely to see whether Klopp’s arrival will bring changes to the leadership group on the pitch, or whether his overhaul will be limited to tactical and personnel decisions.

Kimmich ‘a real leader’

Speaking at the international coaching conference in Mainz, Germany sporting director Voller made clear he does not foresee a change of captain under the former Liverpool manager.

“I expect Joshua Kimmich to remain captain of the national team,” Voller said. “He has proven in many international matches that he is a real leader and a great captain, and I cannot imagine a major change in this position.”

Voller added that Klopp’s own public comments appeared to point in the same direction.

“We all followed what Klopp said, and it did not seem that he had any different plans in this regard,” Voller noted.

Kimmich has worn the armband since Ilkay Gundogan retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2024. The Bayern Munich midfielder has already accumulated 114 caps for Germany.

Klopp yet to confirm captaincy decision

In his first press conference as Germany head coach, Klopp did not name a permanent captain and avoided committing himself on whether Kimmich would definitely continue in the role.

Instead, he stressed that “all players will get a chance to represent Germany”, signalling that places in his squad will be earned on form and suitability for his system rather than reputation alone.

However, Voller’s remarks suggest stability is likely when it comes to the captaincy, even as Klopp prepares to impose his own ideas on a team seeking to recover from another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Busy autumn start for Klopp

Klopp’s competitive debut in the Germany dugout is scheduled for the international window spanning September and October, when the team begin a demanding run of UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Germany are due to face the Netherlands on 24 September, before hosting Greece three days later. They will then play Serbia, followed by a return meeting against Greece on 4 October, again in the Nations League.

Those matches will provide Klopp with his first opportunity to test new tactical approaches and squad selections in a competitive environment – and to confirm whether Kimmich will continue to lead Germany onto the pitch as captain.