Klopp Names Two Squads for First Four Games in Charge of Germany

Jurgen Klopp has kicked off his time as Germany head coach in unusual fashion, naming two entirely separate squads to cover his first four matches in charge as the national team navigates a busy UEFA Nations League schedule.

Rather than sticking with one group throughout, Klopp has picked a total of 44 players split across two squads, each responsible for two matches. The approach gives the 59 year old a first-hand look at both his established stars and some emerging talent, while also managing the physical load of a packed calendar so early into his tenure.

Only one player features in both squads. Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen is named in the 24 man group for the first two games and the 20 man group for the final two, making him the sole link between the two lists.

Klopp has also handed several uncapped players their first taste of international recognition. The biggest name among them is SV Elversberg's Yannick Keidel, whose form in the lower divisions has clearly impressed the new coaching staff. He's joined by Augsburg's Hennes Behrens, Freiburg's Max Rosenfelder, and TSG Hoffenheim's Bambase Conte as other potential debutants.

The first squad, named for the matches against Netherlands and Greece, blends senior figures with those newer faces. Inter's Yann Aurel Bisseck and Bayern Munich's Nathaniel Brown feature in defense alongside established names like Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck. In midfield, Klopp has paired the experience of Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala with the energy of Brentford's Kevin Schade and Leeds United's Anton Stach.

For the second block of fixtures, a home game against Serbia followed by a trip back to Greece, Klopp has rotated almost the entire squad. This second group includes some big names too, among them Barcelona's Karim Adeyemi and Liverpool's Florian Wirtz. RB Leipzig duo Brajan Gruda and Ridle Baku provide width, while Juventus forward Nick Woltemade and Frankfurt's Jonathan Burkardt lead the attack.

Defensively, the second squad relies on the familiarity of Stuttgart pair Maximilian Mittelstadt and Finn Jeltsch, along with Newcastle's Malick Thiaw. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Brentford's versatile Vitaly Janelt anchor the midfield.

Klopp's tenure officially begins with a heavyweight fixture, as Germany travel to face the Netherlands on September 24, a tough opener for many of the newer faces. 

The first squad will then return home to face Greece on September 27, before the second group takes over for the home game against Serbia on October 1, followed by a trip back to Greece on October 3 to round out this opening block of matches.