Overview
- Klopp said he nominated Niclas Füllkrug because the striker has an ‘‘incredible influence’’ on play and that his impact goes beyond scoring to leadership and movement on the pitch.
- Füllkrug has scored 12 goals in 10 competitive matches for Werder Bremen since his return and is the top German scorer in Europe's top five leagues, a performance Klopp cited as decisive for the call-up.
- The coach acknowledged he was ‘‘not happy’’ with some earlier half‑time interview remarks that drew criticism for looking more like a TV pundit, but he defended the substance of his comments about Füllkrug.
- The new DFB squad removes Jonathan Burkardt and Nick Woltemade and adds Kai Havertz, Younes Ebnoutalib and Gladbach youngster Wael Mohya alongside Füllkrug, reflecting a shift toward form and fresh options.
- The recall pressures club and contract decisions for Füllkrug, boosts Werder's case to keep him beyond his loan, and leaves Klopp managing media scrutiny over his public role while he shapes the early DFB coaching cycle.