Back to news
Klopp faces the first big choice: who will be the new number one
Teams 29 July 2026

Klopp faces the first big choice: who will be the new number one

Jürgen Klopp will soon become Germany's national coach and is immediately faced with a crucial decision: who should take over from Manuel Neuer as first goalkeeper? With a mix of experienced goalkeepers and young talent, nothing seems certain yet.

Klopp faces the first big choice: who will be the new number one

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Jonas Urbig, at the age of 23, is seen as a promising successor to Manuel Neuer, but has yet to prove himself in the role of first goalkeeper, both at Bayern Munich and in the national team. Oliver Baumann, with his vast experience, offers an alternative, but his age could be a factor in Klopp's final decision. The choice of the new goalkeeper will determine Germany's strategy under Klopp.

Why this matters

Jürgen Klopp's choice for Germany's new number one is crucial, especially in view of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Manuel Neuer's departure has left a void that will not be easy to fill given the absence of a clear successor. This dilemma could strongly influence the future of the German national team, as a strong goalkeeper is essential for success at the highest level.

Key points

  • Klopp faces the first big choice: who will be the new number one.
  • Jürgen Klopp will soon become Germany's national coach and will immediately face a crucial decision: who should take over from Manuel Neuer as first goalkeeper?
  • The first dilemma of Klopp: how to cope with the Germania of the Neuer?.

The departure of Manuel Neuer as undisputed number one has created a striking goalkeeping problem in Germany for the new national coach Jürgen Klopp. While his predecessors could rely on one absolute star between the posts, Klopp's appointment immediately faces an important choice for the coming years - not least with a view to the 2026 World Cup.

The lack of a clear successor is widely felt. Football icon Lothar Matthäus recently aptly stated that Germany no longer has an obvious number one, as has been the case in recent decades with greats such as Sepp Maier, Oliver Kahn and of course Neuer himself.

Image

Many experts and fans look to Jonas Urbig as possible successors. At 23 years old, the young goalkeeper is considered a great talent who is cautiously mentioned as a future club goalkeeper for Bayern Munich. Yet Urbig still has to settle for a role as a reserve goalkeeper for club and country, which leaves the question: is he ready for the real work, or is it too early to give him so much confidence now? Matthäus remains cautious: "Urbig will probably be in charge more often than last season. Whether that is enough for a definitive number one status in the national team under Klopp remains to be seen."

Besides Urbig, there are more options on the table. At 36 years old, Oliver Baumann brings a wealth of experience and is still at a high level at Hoffenheim, which would make him a safe choice, especially towards a transition period up to the 2028 European Championship. Alexander Nübel, active for Beşiktaş last season, seems to have disappeared from view, but could reappear in the selection if there is strong development.Marc-André ter Stegen, second choice behind Neuer for years, hopes to regain his competitive rhythm and form after injuries through a transfer to Ajax, in order to seize his opportunity.

Klopp, for his part, is keeping all options open for the time being. There is even speculation that he can be truly surprising, for example by choosing a goalkeeper who has remained out of the spotlight until now. In any case, the question of who will guard the German goal is already a central discussion point heading into the 2026 World Cup. It promises to be an interesting period for the Mannschaft and its new national coach.

What's happening now

Klopp will closely monitor the performances of several goalkeepers in the coming weeks and months, including Jonas Urbig and Oliver Baumann. The choice of the new first goalkeeper will not only depend on their current form, but also on their potential to handle the pressure of international tournaments. Fans and analysts will eagerly await who Klopp will select as his first choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current situation regarding the goalkeeper position in the German national team?

With the departure of Manuel Neuer, there is no clear successor for the number one position, which is an important choice for national coach Jürgen Klopp.

Who is the new national coach of Germany?

The new national coach of Germany is Jürgen Klopp.

Why is this an important moment for Jürgen Klopp?

This is important for Klopp because he is immediately faced with the choice of who will be the new number one, with a view to the 2026 World Cup.

Which goalkeepers are mentioned as possible successors to Neuer?

The possible successors are Jonas Urbig, Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel.

What are the considerations for choosing a new goalkeeper?

Connoisseurs and fans wonder whether Jonas Urbig, as a young talent, is ready for the role of number one, while Oliver Baumann would be a safe choice with his experience.

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Relatedarticles

  • >

Related articles

Klopp voor eerste dilemma: keuze doelman Duitsland na | Oranje Total Football | Oranje Total Football