Jürgen Klopp, the new head coach of the German national football team, sharply criticized the German media for leaking news related to his first player list. Klopp, who was introduced as the new head coach in July, is set to use a 44-man squad in four UEFA Nations League matches.
Player List and Unexpected Selections
This large list will be divided into two groups so that the team can take advantage of a three-week international break and compete against the Netherlands, Greece, and Serbia during this time. Football stars like Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Jamal Musiala are included in this division, with the Liverpool player being selected for the second matches and the other two players participating in the initial games.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, who was recognized as Germany's top scorer with three goals in the World Cup, is not included in this list. However, Klopp drew attention by selecting Felix Kiedel, a 23-year-old player from the newly promoted Bundesliga team, SV Elversberg, for the first time.
Criticism of the Media and Defense of Family
The news of Kiedel's selection leaked to the media before the official announcement of the list, and Klopp attacked journalists at his press conference. He said, "I spoke with Felix Kiedel last night and asked him how the last 16 or 17 hours have been since someone leaked his inclusion in the list. And anyway, I have to say that it doesn't matter to me that this news was released prematurely."
Klopp also criticized the media, adding, "I just think it's a bit silly to monetize by releasing news prematurely. But anyway, this issue is not important." He further seemed to make a political statement by displaying a message on his cap saying "One of 83 million" in the colors of the German flag.
In this conference, Klopp emphasized that he does not want national pride to be assigned to the wrong individuals and feels honored to be in this position. He also added that football should strengthen the sense of solidarity in society and that everyone should cooperate in this regard.
Klopp, who previously managed Red Bull football, is looking to bring the national team back to a winning path after a disappointing period in the World Cup. He stated that if his family is put under media pressure, he will immediately resign from his position.
Klopp also expressed, "If tomorrow you say he is ugly, I will leave. Not just one person; it should be more than that. If DFB says he is ugly, I will leave." This clearly showed how much he values his family and privacy.
Klopp's first match as head coach of the German national team will be on September 24 against the Netherlands, followed by a match against Greece on September 27. These matches could be a vital start for Klopp in the process of rebuilding the German national football team.
