Klopp bets on Gnabry: Trust beyond the numbers in the Germany national team

When Jürgen Klopp announced his first Germany squad, the message was clear: a revolution had begun. Among the 44 players, 16 were debutants. But the most debated name was not a newcomer. It was Serge Gnabry. The 31-year-old had not played for more than five months after an adductor injury in mid-April. He missed the end of Bayern Munich's season, the World Cup in North America, pre-season, and the start of the campaign. He returned only one day after the squad announcement, playing 13 minutes in the 7–0 win over Union Berlin. Klopp still chose him, and even allowed Gnabry to stay for the entire international period alongside Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, and Finn Dahmen. Meanwhile, Deniz Undav and Leroy Sané were left out despite having more match fitness. Klopp said they had not found their rhythm yet, but Gnabry had even less rhythm. The difference is that Gnabry missed the disappointing World Cup, so he carries less baggage in the public eye. Gnabry was once seen as a symbol of stagnation in German football. Bayern considered selling him in spring 2026. Then Thomas Müller left, Musiala got injured, and Bayern did not want an expensive signing. Gnabry seized the chance, contributing 21 goal involvements and becoming a free radical between Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz. He shone in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, and Real Madrid, then signed a new contract until 2028. Now Bayern have competition for his position, with 50 million euro signing Ismael Saibari, a returning Musiala, and versatile options like Olise and Lennart Karl. Vincent Kompany insists they have not forgotten how good Gnabry was. Klopp shares that belief and wants Gnabry to be a leader in Germany's restart. Whether this trust is justified will be answered on the pitch in the next four matches.