Klopp names first squad: Sane left out, Nübel included

Jürgen Klopp has unveiled his first squad list since taking charge of the German national team. The most notable decision in the announcement was the exclusion of Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane. In contrast, Beşiktaş goalkeeper Alexander Nübel found a place among Klopp's selections.

Asked about the reasoning behind leaving Sane out, Klopp said the player has struggled to find his best form this season. 'Leroy really hasn't found himself this season. I will talk to him, but I haven't done so yet,' the experienced coach explained. He added that any conversation with the player would need real substance rather than simply being a casual greeting, and that they would speak only if there was something concrete to discuss.

Since taking over, Klopp has also introduced a practice rarely seen before in the German national team setup. Instead of naming a single squad for all four upcoming Nations League fixtures, he announced two separate lists of 22 players each. This means some players will only be available for specific matches. According to reports, Nübel is included for the first two games, against the Netherlands away and Greece at home, but has not been named for the matches against Serbia and the away fixture against Greece.

Germany will face Serbia, Greece and the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League. Klopp's first squad announcement as head coach is being closely watched, both by fans following players in the Süper Lig and by those interested in the national team's future direction. The tension between Sane's club form and his international career appears likely to remain a talking point in the coming period.