New Germany coach Jürgen Klopp said his squad could help ensure "national pride is not entrusted to the wrong people" after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won 43.8 % of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, just short of an absolute majority in the regional parliament.
Speaking at a news conference to announce his first 44‑man squad, Klopp stressed that he is not a political "expert" but added: "From my perspective as a sportsman, I would very much like to reclaim the flag for myself, for all of us." He warned that football could foster a sense of community and that the country needs enough doctors and caregivers.
Klopp named 16 uncapped players in the squad for four upcoming Nations League matches over two weeks. The first group of 24 will face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on 24 September and Greece in Augsburg three days later. The remaining 20 will join the squad for matches against Serbia in Munich on 1 October and Greece in Thessaloniki on 4 October.
Key names in the first group include Premier League trio Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kevin Schade (Brentford) and Anton Stach (Leeds), with Jamal Musiala added after pre‑season setbacks. The second group features Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz and Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defender Antonio Rüdiger have retired from international duty after Germany’s second‑round exit at the World Cup, prompting the departure of coach Julian Nagelsmann and Klopp’s appointment as head coach.
Klopp concluded that he could be proud to be German while also being open‑minded, diverse, kind and friendly, and that football should help people feel the power of sport.
