Jurgen Klopp Confirms Ter Stegen as Germany's First-Choice Goalkeeper After Neuer's Retirement

German goalkeepers Manuel Neuer (R-foreground) and Marc-André ter Stegen (L-background) in training

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen as his undisputed first choice goalkeeper for Germany, ending the long running debate over who would eventually take over from Manuel Neuer, who retired from international football after the World Cup.

Ter Stegen, who spent years playing second fiddle to Neuer, is currently on loan at Ajax from Barcelona as he works his way back to full fitness. 

Speaking about the decision, Klopp made clear he wanted stability in goal as he begins his tenure. "Yes, for the moment, there is one, Marc-Andre ter Stegen," he said, quoted via Bulinews, when asked directly whether he had settled on a No.1.

Klopp explained that building a new era for the national team starts with experienced leadership in key positions. "A team needs stability and a spine, and then you can add a lot of youth around that," he said. "I've known him for ages. Manuel Neuer was the best goalkeeper in the world for a long time."

He also spoke about the timing of Ter Stegen's career and why he still believes in him despite the injury troubles that have disrupted his recent seasons. 

"Nevertheless, everyone knew that Ter Stegen was world-class too. He then suffered an injury at an unfortunate time. At the moment, he is fit and the same goalkeeper he was before. He brings experience with him. He is making a very good impression. Everything depends on performance."

Klopp has confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Germany's Undisputed No. 1  

The decision on goalkeeper comes as part of a much wider squad shake-up. Klopp has named 44 players in total, split across two separate squads, for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Alongside Ter Stegen, Augsburg's Finn Dahmen and Besiktas goalkeeper Alexander Nubel have been included for the opening two matches. Dahmen is the only goalkeeper named in both squads, while Freiburg's Noah Atubolu and Bayern Munich's Jonas Urbig round out the goalkeeping options across the two groups.

Germany's busy international window gets underway soon, with matches against the Netherlands, Greece, Serbia, and a return fixture against Greece all on the schedule. 

The four games will give Klopp his first real chance to assess both squads and start blending youth with experience, and it'll also be the first test of Germany's new goalkeeping setup, with Ter Stegen now under pressure to prove his manager's faith in him was well placed.