Nine Bayern players handed Germany call-ups

Nine FC Bayern players have been called up for Germany’s forthcoming internationals. The new national team coach, Jürgen Klopp, made the announcement on Thursday morning at a press conference in Frankfurt. Jonas Urbig, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, Tom Bischof, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Lennart Karl and Aleksandar Pavlović have all been named in the squad of the four-time world champions.

During the international break – which has been extended to around two weeks and will this time include four Nations League matches – the DFB side will first travel to the Netherlands (24 September). Klopp’s first internationals on home soil will then take place in Augsburg against Greece (27 September) and at the Allianz Arena in Munich against Serbia (1 October). The Germans will wrap up the break with a trip to Greece (4 October).

Two squads – special roles for Musiala and Gnabry

The German squad comprises 44 players and has been split into two groups; the line-up for the home matches against the Netherlands and Greece includes Brown, Tah, Gnabry, Karl, Kimmich and Musiala. For the games in Serbia and Greece, the squad includes, amongst others, Urbig, Bischof and Pavlović. Klopp emphasised at the press conference that some players from the first squad will also stay with the team for longer. Meanwhile, BVB's Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry have a special role to play. “The three of them will be here for the full two weeks to help them get back into their rhythm following their injuries and will be selected for matches in line with their respective situations,” said the Germany coach.

Speaking about Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, Klopp added: “I expect him to deliver the same performances he consistently puts in for Bayern. I have no doubt he’ll live up to his potential and show his quality. A player like him has to lead the way. I see him as a midfielder.”

Bischof initially with the Under-21s

Klopp also spoke on Thursday about the Bayern youngsters who have been called up: Lennart Karl (three international appearances) and Tom Bischof (one international appearance). “Both were confident and very pleasant to chat with. Lennart Karl is ready; he’s a powerhouse. He’s cheeky in a positive way; he’s got all the right qualities,” said Klopp. “Tom has a whole host of qualities; he’s a really gifted footballer, he’s got tactical flair, he’s a brilliant lad and captain of the U21s. He’ll be with the U21s for the first block, then he’ll join us – that’s been agreed with Vincent Kompany as well.”