Klopp names Ter Stegen Germany’s new first-choice goalkeeper
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, ending the uncertainty created by Manuel Neuer’s international retirement.
Ter Stegen, who remains a Barcelona player and is rebuilding fitness and form during a loan spell at Ajax, has been handed the No.1 role ahead of the next UEFA Nations League window. Klopp wants a settled figure behind his rebuilt Germany side.
“At this point, there is one: Marc-Andre ter Stegen,” Klopp said when asked whether he had chosen a clear goalkeeper. The new Germany boss believes the team’s next phase must be built around experienced players before younger talent is added around them.
Quick facts
- Ter Stegen has been named Germany’s current first-choice goalkeeper.
- Neuer has retired from international football.
- Klopp selected 44 players across two separate squads.
- Germany will play the Netherlands, Greece twice and Serbia in the Nations League window.
- Finn Dahmen is the only goalkeeper included in both squads.
Klopp said Neuer had been the world’s outstanding goalkeeper for a long period, but stressed that Ter Stegen has long held elite status too. The Barcelona goalkeeper’s progress was interrupted by injury, yet Klopp believes he is now fit and back to his previous level.
“He has experience and has made a very good impression,” Klopp said, while making clear that selection will remain based on form. Ter Stegen’s appointment gives him the chance to establish himself after years spent competing with Neuer for Germany’s gloves.
Augsburg keeper Dahmen and Besiktas goalkeeper Alexander Nubel have also been called up for the opening two matches. Dahmen appears in both groups, alongside Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu and Bayern Munich’s Jonas Urbig.
Germany’s four-game schedule will give Klopp an immediate look at his expanded player pool and his new goalkeeping order. The Nations League ties against the Netherlands, Greece, Serbia and Greece again are the first major tests of Ter Stegen’s position as Germany’s leading keeper.
