Holding hands, a sense of togetherness, laughing at work: Jürgen Klopp is undeterred in following through on his plan even after the shock in Greece. The positive “vibes” should provide a lot of energy in the DFB camp in Herzogenaurach. So: focus on the second squad, focus on the Oktoberfest game against Serbia on Thursday (8.45 p.m./ZDF) in Munich. And just don't fall back into the sadness and self-doubt of the World Cup summer.
With the shift change and many other new faces such as Vitaly Janelt, Mika Baur and Finn Jeltsch, the debate about Klopp's XXL personnel policy with two squads and a total of 43 candidates for the national football team continues in the second Nations League week. Now the pressure on results is only greater after the false start with just one point from two games.
The national coach receives prominent support for his course. But there is also criticism after the 0-1 flop in the second Nations League game against the Greeks. This is also about captain Joshua Kimmich.
Pro: The large squad is a good idea
Anyone who sees the joy and commitment with which the next wave of potential international debutants sweep hand in hand across the lawn in the home ground can only agree with Klopp. The many new faces are the basis of the restart. They bring new impulses, new power.
The fact that the magic of the beginning quickly disappeared due to the defeat against Greece is not due to newcomers like Younes Ebnoutalib or Bambasé Conté. On the contrary. Philipp Treu, one of Klopp's candidates, showed in the 1-1 draw in the Netherlands that it was long overdue to bring in someone who not every fan already knew. The problem area at the back right has been resolved for now - also thanks to Klopp's courage to experiment. Klopp now calls his personnel strategy with newcomers in the XXL pack exactly like this: “No alternative”.
Mass instead of Kane
Germany has no Lamine Yamal, no Harry Kane and no Kylian Mbappé. But Germany has - as Klopp sees it - a huge reservoir of professionals who can perform better than the previous staff could. Klopp spoke of 57 players during his introduction. Now he increased the number to over 70, selecting almost half of them for his first games. They were “outstanding guys.” “A lot of talent” “caught his eye.”
“I agree with what Klopp has done, with the two squads he has nominated,” said record national player Lothar Matthäus, who is otherwise quick to criticize. How else is Klopp supposed to find out who can handle the pressure of the Eagles jersey if he doesn't actually wear it? “Of course you want to leave your mark,” said Mika Baur from Celtic Glasgow, one of nine players without senior international caps in the current squad.
With the new, extra-long international match window with four games in two weeks, there is time to change things up. Even if he complains, Captain Kimmich, like everyone else, could use a break in the rush to meet deadlines.
And don't worry. In November, when the group phase of the Nations League ends, the squad will be reduced to its normal size of around 23 players. Best possible with many late summer newcomers who made a good impression and formed the foundation for a successful European Championship 2028.
Cons: The large squad is a bad idea
The look on Kimmich's face said it all. Going home after the defeat against Greece and having to watch idly as the national team, his national team, continues to rebuild, that bothers the DFB captain. But what should he do? The Klopp plan is in place. And the national coach pulls it off.
The first four Nations League games will be an experimental field with the XXL squad and shift changes. And this in a time of maximum crisis, in which stability and continuity are required in order to regain lost self-confidence. The fans can only be won back with a sense of success. It's not for nothing that Klopp, who stands for success, was brought in.
If you don't have class, you have to rely on quantity. That now seems to be Klopp’s approach. What Klopp seems to be overlooking is that international matches are a bigger stage than club football. It takes more than talent and potential to become a national player. With the huge squad, the national coach is only diluting the requirements profile.
The gap to the world leaders will not be made up in this way. And four international matches will be given away - possibly with the consequence of failure in the A group of the Nations League. There is a risk of relegation to Europe's second class. This is not a kickstart towards the 2028 European Championship.
Memories of Sebescen
Klopp may be harming the players themselves with this quick procedure. Zoltan Sebescen was a prominent case in 2000 who was overwhelmed in the national jersey. Frankfurt's Nnamdi Collins was immediately dumped by Klopp's predecessor Julian Nagelsmann in 2025 after a poor performance. Tough professional football, you could argue.
But how will Klopp explain a drastic squad cut in November? You cannot afford confusion and uncertainty, especially in times of crisis. Clear lines, understandable decisions and security are needed.
The Klopp mistake has a second level with the shift change in the middle of the game. The national coach is destroying structures that are already there for the rebuilding. And it weakens hierarchies. Marc-André ter Stegen is leaving again as temporary number one. Defense chief Jonathan Tah doesn't get the maximum playing time with possible defensive partners.
What will become of “Wusiala”?
Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz were separated into two different squads before the Munich player's muscle injury. Or does the “Wusiala” duo not fit into Klopp’s 4-3-3 system? Is the break for Kimmich an indication that the national coach wants to try out what it's like without the leader? The national coach has so far provided more questions than answers.
