Klopp Calls Germany Squad Leaks 'Pathetic'

Jürgen Klopp has criticised German journalists for leaking details of his Germany squad before the official announcement, describing the practice as “a bit pathetic”.

Klopp announced his first Germany squad on Thursday, selecting 44 players across two groups for four upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. However, several names had already been revealed by the German media before the official announcement.

Among the players whose call-up was leaked was Felix Keidel, the 23-year-old Elversberg midfielder receiving his first senior Germany selection.

Klopp said he had spoken to Keidel after the news emerged and was more concerned about what the leak meant for the player's special moment than about the information itself being made public.

“I really couldn't care less whether you leak it earlier, whether it comes out earlier,” Klopp said.

“But I find it a bit pathetic to make your living by putting something like that out earlier.”

The Germany manager made clear that the leaks themselves did not create a major problem for him. Instead, his criticism was directed at the practice of journalists seeking to publish team news before the federation's official announcement.

Klopp also explained that he wanted to preserve the excitement surrounding players receiving their first senior call-up.

He used the example of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib, who had revealed his own selection after being approached while out shopping. Klopp said he had no problem with the youngster sharing his excitement and even sending him a video to apologise.

“I saw a young lad who was unbelievably delighted. I'd like us all to preserve that enthusiasm,” Klopp said.

Klopp's first Germany squad contains a significant number of new faces as he begins rebuilding the national team.

The coach has deliberately selected 44 players across two groups because Germany have four Nations League matches during the extended September-October international period. The first group will face the Netherlands and Greece, while the second will play Serbia and Greece.

Klopp has said his aim is to prepare players who can become important figures for Germany over the next two or three years.

The former Liverpool manager will now begin his first international camp, with Germany's opening Nations League fixture against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24.