Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig will start Germany’s Nations League match against Serbia on Thursday at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The Germany manager was also asked who would captain the side in the absence of Joshua Kimmich, who is being rested as part of Klopp’s strategy to give opportunities to new and younger players.
“The player with the most international caps among those in the starting XI will wear the armband tomorrow,” Klopp said at Wednesday’s pre-match news conference.
“You can ask, but I will not reveal the starting line-up now. You can work it out for yourselves.”
He added, jokingly: “The only thing I can say is that Jonas Urbig will not be captain in his first international appearance.”
Klopp expects Serbia to present a similar challenge to the one posed by Greece, although he believes their experience makes them especially difficult opponents.
“Serbia’s style will not be very different from what Greece offered,” he said. “What makes Serbia particularly difficult is their experience. They also have some excellent players.
“They know all the tricks of the game, so we have to be ready for that. They have a special mentality.”
“This is not the best period for Serbian football, but the players know what is at stake and they have fought for one another. A team that defends very deeply is a major challenge for any opponent, at any stage of development.”
Klopp rejects social media abuse
Asked about racist social media posts targeting Germany in recent days, including claims that the team is not “German enough”, Klopp said he had not seen them and did not believe they deserved attention.
“I have not seen that. In my view, there is absolutely no reason to give those people any attention,” he said.
“I do not have much time for stupidity in real life, and I do not have time for it on social media either.”
Klopp added: “The big problem in our lives is that everyone can express their opinion on social networks. People talk nonsense; it is madness.
“Our group could not be more united. The world could learn a thing or two from a sports dressing room.”
Germany are seeking their first victory under Klopp after drawing 1-1 away to the Netherlands in the opening round of the Nations League before suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat by Greece at home in their second match.
The hosts are third in Group B with one point. Greece lead the standings on six points, ahead of second-placed Netherlands on four, while Serbia are bottom without a point.
