Jurgen Klopp explains decision to drop Marc-Andre ter Stegen for Greece clash despite 'very, very happy' verdict

Marc-Andre ter Stegen's return to the Germany side will be a brief one for now. Head coach Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the Barcelona loanee will drop out of the team for Sunday's meeting with Greece — but insists the decision is pre-agreed rotation, not a criticism of a goalkeeper he admits he is 'very, very happy' with.

'Marc played exceptionally well'

ter Stegen was back in the Germany team in midweek against the Netherlands, returning to the national side after an injury ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, and he made the most of his opportunity with a string of fine saves. Klopp revealed that even the opposition coach was moved to single the Barcelona man out afterwards — a fact that left him surprised by any suggestion the goalkeeper had been below par.

'I heard — and it surprised me — that Marc-André was viewed critically. And that's very unusual for a game where the opposing coach said afterwards that the goalkeeper — how did he put it? — saved our bacon?' Klopp said.

'Marc played exceptionally well. It's true, he made a few mistakes, but I have absolutely no criticism of him. I'm very, very happy with his performance.'

The German coach was clear that the odd error will not change his view of the veteran stopper, whose midweek showing he described as exceptional despite the marginal mistakes.

Nübel to get his chance as planned

Instead, Klopp explained that the goalkeeper change for the Greece match was always part of the plan as he continues to cast his eye over his options since taking over as boss of the national team.

'Alexander Nübel will start in goal, that was the agreement. Alexander Nübel will still get a chance. I hope he enjoys it tomorrow. He deserves it too, because all three goalkeepers have made a sensational impression here.'

Nübel, then, will step in between the posts on Sunday, with Klopp keen to give every member of his goalkeeping union game time during this international window after what he called a 'sensational impression' from all three shot-stoppers in camp.

Busy window ahead for new Germany boss

Germany go on to play Serbia and Greece again over the international break, giving Klopp plenty of chances to assess his squad in his first window in charge of the national team. For ter Stegen, the plan is a brief rest — with his outstanding display against the Netherlands having done his cause no harm at all as he rebuilds his international career after missing out on the World Cup through injury.