Germany must identify a new on-field leader after Joshua Kimmich left the squad following the opening two matches of the international break.
Kimmich departed as planned before the games against Serbia and Greece, although internal sources told Sky Germany he had wanted to remain with the team. Germany coach Klopp had originally intended to work with a different group of players during the second week of the break.
That has left the reassembled squad seeking a new figure to lead it on the pitch, with several players now under consideration for the captaincy.
Sky Germany expert Lothar Matthaus questioned the decision to allow Kimmich to leave. In his column, he said the midfielder’s influence extended beyond the first group of players.
“Kimmich is not only the captain of the first squad but also a leader for the other players who gathered in Herzogenaurach on Monday. I would have let him participate in all four matches so that the new faces could get to know him. Because the captain, alongside the coach, is also responsible for the team,” Matthaus said.
Wirtz a possible option
Klopp must now decide who will wear the armband, with Florian Wirtz emerging as one possible candidate.
Although relatively young, the attacking midfielder is already among the most experienced internationals in the current Germany squad. His 46 caps make him the team’s second-most capped player, while he is also viewed as having the potential to become one of the country’s leading attacking players.
Appointing Wirtz could also offer an indication of Klopp’s thinking. The midfielder has endured a difficult start at Liverpool, and the added responsibility of captaining Germany could give him greater confidence as he seeks to rediscover his best form for the national side.
There are reservations, however. Wirtz is not currently regarded as a traditional dressing-room leader or a prominent spokesperson for his team. The role requires more than technical and athletic qualities, particularly in a newly assembled squad, where communication, authority and presence are important.
Experienced alternatives available
Serge Gnabry is the most capped of the main candidates, with 61 appearances for Germany. Nico Schlotterbeck is another option, having regularly acted as vice-captain to Emre Can at Borussia Dortmund.
David Raum has previous experience of captaining RB Leipzig, while Waldemar Anton also has leadership credentials. The centre-back was captain of former club Stuttgart and is now Borussia Dortmund’s third captain, behind Emre Can and Schlotterbeck.
Matthaus believes Germany has no shortage of players capable of taking responsibility.
“You already have people with the personality and ability to lead the team onto the field. It’s not difficult to rally 10 people behind you and say, ‘Now follow me, let’s go out there and beat the Serbs!’” he said.
The decision over the captain for the match against Serbia will therefore carry significance beyond the identity of the player wearing the armband. Following Germany’s disappointing display against Greece, Klopp’s choice is likely to be closely examined as a possible first indication of the leadership structure after Kimmich.
