Klopp names 44 players in two Germany squads as he turns the Nations League into an audition

Celtic midfielder Mika Baur has earned his first call-up to Germany's senior squad, as newly appointed head coach Jurgen Klopp announced an extensive 44-man roster for forthcoming Nations League matches. At just 22 years old, the Scottish champions' recruit, who previously represented Germany at various youth levels, joins a select group of 16 players to receive their inaugural call-ups from Klopp, who previously managed Liverpool.

The team is allowed to field 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers per match, but Klopp has split the squad into two separate groups for their upcoming four fixtures.

The first group will compete against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24th and at home against Greece three days later in Augsburg. Baur is included in this first squad. The second group, featuring Baur, will face Serbia in Munich on October 1st and Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4th. Klopp expressed his excitement about the opportunity to observe multiple players during this intense period, emphasizing that the two squads were formed with a cohesive and developmental approach.

Klopp replaced Julian Nagelsmann in July, following Germany's early exit from the 2026 World Cup, which he described as a critical turning point for German football. He expressed optimism about the potential in the squad, stating that it would shape the team's trajectory over the next two or three years.