Jürgen Klopp has explained Julian Brandt’s absence from his first Germany squad, saying the Ajax midfielder was left out because the new coach already knows his game well.

Klopp named 44 players across two groups for Germany’s opening four UEFA Nations League matches, but Brandt was not included despite his strong form for Ajax. The midfielder last played for Germany in November 2024 and has won 48 caps.

Speaking to NOS, Klopp said his long-standing familiarity with Brandt influenced the decision.

“I have known Jule for a very long time. Years ago I still wanted to bring him to Liverpool, when I was manager there. I have known him for a very long time, that’s it,” Klopp said.

“He is doing extremely well, but I already know him. So, Jule, keep going like this. I know he will not panic. He does all sorts of things, but panicking is not one of them.”

Klopp’s unusually large squad was made possible by the extended international schedule. One group will face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24 and Greece in Augsburg on September 27, while the second group will meet Serbia in Munich on October 1 before playing Greece in Thessaloniki on October 4.

The selection includes 16 players receiving their first senior call-up. Marc-André ter Stegen, who joined Ajax on loan from Barcelona, has been named as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the opening fixtures.

Brandt’s omission is therefore not a permanent exclusion from the national team. Klopp’s comments indicate that he wants to use the four matches to assess players he has seen less frequently, while encouraging Brandt to continue his progress at Ajax.