Klopp criticizes German media over squad leak
Jurgen Klopp has launched a stinging attack on the German media after details of his first squad as Germany manager were leaked before the official announcement, reports BritPanorama.
The former Liverpool boss branded the rush to publish Felix Keidel’s maiden call-up “pathetic” as he unveiled an extraordinary 44-man group for four Nations League fixtures.
Germany faces an extended three-week international window containing matches against the Netherlands, Serbia, and two meetings with Greece. In response, Klopp has created two separate squads, with different players set to handle each half of the demanding schedule.
Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz has been selected for the second group, while Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala will feature in the opening two games. However, Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav has been overlooked despite finishing as Germany’s leading scorer at the World Cup with three goals.
The headline inclusion is 23-year-old Felix Keidel, who has earned his first senior call-up after impressing for Bundesliga newcomers SV Elversberg. News of Keidel’s selection emerged in the German press before Klopp had the opportunity to confirm it publicly.
The 59-year-old revealed that he contacted the youngster to ask how he had coped with the sudden attention generated by the leak. “I don’t give a damn that it came out early,” Klopp told reporters at his press conference. “I have absolutely no problem with that. I just think it’s a bit pathetic to make a living by putting things out there earlier than people actually need to know them.”
Klopp also attracted attention by wearing a baseball cap carrying the words “one of 83 million” in the colours of the German flag. The message came following the AfD’s recent election victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, although Klopp said he hoped to avoid regularly discussing politics in his new role.
“I want to reclaim the flag for us,” he explained. “I don’t want to leave national pride to the wrong people.” Klopp insisted football could provide a sense of togetherness and said he felt immense pride at being chosen to lead his country.
Since accepting the role in July 2025, Klopp has ended a two-year absence from frontline coaching following his departure from Liverpool in 2024, during which he oversaw Red Bull’s global football operation. He succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, who was dismissed after Germany suffered a humiliating World Cup exit against Paraguay in the round of 32.
His reign will begin against the Netherlands on September 24, followed by the first Greece fixture three days later. Klopp’s second squad will then face Serbia on October 1 before completing the international programme against Greece on October 4.
As Klopp embarks on his new role, it becomes clear that the intricacies of national pride and media scrutiny will form a significant backdrop to his tenure. In navigating these challenges, he may find that the beautiful game is often as contentious off the pitch as it is on it.
