Klopp Confirms Ter Stegen as Germany’s Number One Goalkeeper

Marc-André ter Stegen will start in goal for Germany in both of the national team’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, head coach Jürgen Klopp confirmed, naming the Barcelona goalkeeper — currently on loan at Ajax — as the side’s undisputed first choice against Serbia on Nov. 13 and the Netherlands on Nov. 16, Mundo Deportivo reported.

The 34-year-old has been playing at a high level during his loan spell in Amsterdam, and Klopp said the decision reflects both ter Stegen’s current form and the experience he brings to the position. “Marc is having a fantastic season in Amsterdam and, fortunately, Urbig and Nübel are also completing very good seasons,” Klopp said. “We face these matches with Marc as our number one.”

Klopp’s Criteria: Stability Over Spectacle

Klopp expanded on the reasoning behind the selection, emphasizing that the role of a goalkeeper extends far beyond highlight-reel saves. “It’s not about who is making the best saves at a given moment, because goalkeepers must above all provide a lot of stability and confidence,” he said. “The fundamental requirement for a goalkeeper is to prevent the ball from ending up in the net; that is the most important thing. Marc is the one with the most experience in this aspect, and effectively, we face these matches with him as our number one.”

Klopp also detailed the tactical demands he places on his first-choice keeper, including how to manage the game’s rhythm when in possession and recognizing the right moments to come off the line against a high defensive line. “It sounds unusual, but it’s about coming out at the right time and neutralizing danger, not with a risky dribble, but simply by launching long,” Klopp added. “Marc has more experience in these components, which is why we go into these matches with him as number one.”

A Season of Form in Amsterdam

Ter Stegen has been a regular starter for Ajax under coach Míchel this season, accumulating 15 appearances across all competitions, Mundo Deportivo reported. During that span, he has conceded 20 goals and kept four clean sheets. In the previous international break, he played only in the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, but the upcoming fixtures give him the chance to consolidate his starting status for the German national team.

The decision also comes with a notable omission in the squad: Barcelona winger Karim Adeyemi, who was called up for Klopp’s first squad selection, has been left out of these Nations League matches, Mundo Deportivo reported.

Serbia and Netherlands Await in November

Germany’s Nations League campaign resumes with the away fixture against Serbia on Nov. 13, followed by the match against the Netherlands on Nov. 16. Ter Stegen’s return to the starting lineup marks a consolidation of his position after limited action in the previous window, with Klopp’s comments making clear that the 34-year-old remains the first name on the team sheet for the two November internationals.

Earlier coverage: Jürgen Klopp names Marc-André ter Stegen Germany's starting goalkeeper

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