Jürgen Klopp is preparing to establish his initial stamp on the Germany national team starting with the goalkeeping position—a role surrounding considerable debate in recent years amidst injuries, the un-retirement of a Nationalelf legend, and his subsequent final departure.
German publication Bild reported that Klopp has settled on Marc-André ter Stegen as the primary goalkeeper for his new project ahead of announcing his debut squad for four upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
According to the report, Klopp reached out directly to the Ajax goalkeeper, assuring him of his full confidence and confirming his role as Germany’s starting choice. Ter Stegen confirmed the interaction, remarking: “It was a really great conversation,” while emphasizing at the time that regaining full fitness and delivering consistent club performances remained his immediate priority.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper initiated his spell at Ajax encouragingly following a loan move from Barcelona through the end of the season; he started all five opening Eredivisie fixtures, accumulating 450 minutes while recording two clean sheets—joint-highest in the competition during that stretch.
Securing regular playing time in Amsterdam represents a turning point following two difficult years. Ter Stegen suffered a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee in September 2024, missing seven months, before sustaining a back injury that required surgery. He subsequently joined Girona on loan in January 2026, where he managed only two appearances before a muscle injury sidelined him once more.
Ter Stegen was originally expected to succeed Manuel Neuer following the latter’s international retirement after UEFA Euro 2024, but injuries thwarted that opportunity. The dynamic grew further complicated when Neuer reversed his retirement decision to serve as Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, before announcing his definitive international retirement following Germany’s round of 32 elimination against Paraguay on penalties.
Ter Stegen holds 44 international caps since making his debut in May 2012, spending the majority of his international career in the shadow of Neuer. He is expected to compete alongside Jonas Urbig, Alexander Nübel, and Finn Dahmen for the remaining goalkeeping spots in Klopp’s squad, while Oliver Baumann’s prospects appear to wane, with Loris Karius remaining a fringe option.
Klopp officially assumed his managerial duties on August 15, 2026, and faces his first competitive test against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24, followed by fixtures against Greece, Serbia, and a return match against Greece.
The opening match carries special significance for Ter Stegen, providing an opportunity to reclaim the starting position for his country in the very city that restored his playing continuity following the most turbulent phase of his career.
