Jürgen Klopp has taken a light-hearted approach to the leaks surrounding his first German national-team squad, joking with journalists after most of his 44-player selection became public before Thursday’s official announcement. The new Bundestrainer arrived at the press conference wearing a Germany cap and immediately acknowledged that much of the suspense had already disappeared.
“You guys know pretty much everything already,” Klopp said with a wink. “Maybe we still have one surprise for you. Whoever doesn’t know the final name of the last player gets one of these fine hats [that I’m wearing]. We’ve got some over in the box over there.”
Klopp nevertheless made clear that the leaks themselves were not something he intended to lose sleep over.
Klopp on the squad leaks
“I have no problem with the squad being leaked,” Klopp said when asked directly about the steady stream of advance reports. “I just find it sad that people make a living getting things out there earlier than one needs to know. But whatever. Really. I don’t care. We all came together and added a few young guys. It’s really up to you guys how you deal with it.”
