Jurgen Klopp Promises New Approach as Germany Begin Nations League Campaign

Posted : 23 September 2026

Jurgen Klopp is preparing to begin his Germany tenure with a fresh approach as the four-time world champions open their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday.

Klopp took over from Julian Nagelsmann following Germany's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign and is now looking to establish a new identity with the national team. His first competitive assignment comes against the Netherlands before Germany face Greece, Serbia and Greece again during the September-October international window.

The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has already signalled that he intends to do things differently. Rather than selecting one traditional squad, Klopp named 44 players across two groups for the four Nations League fixtures, allowing him to examine a much wider pool of talent while also managing the demanding international schedule.

The first group contains 24 players for the matches against the Netherlands and Greece, while another 20 players will join for the meetings with Serbia and Greece. Klopp has included 16 players who are yet to win a senior Germany cap, underlining his willingness to assess new options.

Among the newcomers are Freiburg defender Philipp Treu, Hoffenheim winger Bambasé Conté, Freiburg midfielder Yannik Engelhardt and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib. Experienced players such as Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry remain part of the setup.

Klopp has explained that the unusual squad structure is designed to give him a better understanding of the players available to him. He has also rejected the idea that the two groups represent separate first- and second-choice teams, saying the selections were based on tactical balance, character and experience.

Germany will begin their campaign at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, where Klopp will face another new international coach in former Barcelona midfielder Xavi. The Netherlands fixture will provide the first competitive indication of how Klopp intends to shape the national side.

After the trip to the Netherlands, Germany will host Greece in Augsburg on September 27 before welcoming Serbia to Munich on October 1. The opening international window will conclude with another meeting against Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4.

Klopp's arrival has generated considerable interest in Germany because of his record at club level. He won two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and delivered Liverpool's first Premier League title, as well as the Champions League, during his nine-year spell at Anfield.

The new coach is now tasked with translating that experience to the international stage while rebuilding Germany after another difficult major tournament. His early selection decisions indicate a focus on expanding the player pool and creating competition for places ahead of Euro 2028.

Jurgen Klopp Promises New Approach as Germany Begin Nations League Campaign

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