Jürgen Klopp has accepted one of football's most demanding assignments: reviving Germany's national team after years of disappointment. Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Die Mannschaft have stumbled through consecutive tournament exits, most recently crashing out of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 and the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The German Football Association believes Klopp can rebuild the side into genuine contenders for Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, but five critical issues demand his immediate attention.
Finding Neuer's Successor at Goalkeeper
The most pressing problem sits between the posts. Manuel Neuer, now 40 years old, can no longer serve as Germany's long-term answer in goal. Despite his legendary status, his performances have noticeably declined with age, yet both Bayern Munich and the national team have lacked a genuine successor. The goalkeeper position remains the foundation of any successful international project, making this a non-negotiable priority.
The options present a mixed picture. Marc-André ter Stegen remains a household name but will be 38 at the 2030 World Cup. Oliver Baumann is also ageing, while Alexander Nübel has not fully convinced decision-makers. However, younger talent is emerging: Jonas Urbig, 22, is establishing himself at Bayern Munich, and Moritz Nicolas, 28, impressed at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Klopp must make a decisive choice to build stability for the next four years.
Unlocking Wirtz and Musiala's Attacking Potential
Germany's two most talented attacking players have underperformed in national colours. Florian Wirtz managed only three assists and no goals at the 2026 World Cup despite his elite club form. Jamal Musiala scored just once during the tournament and has struggled to regain full sharpness following a serious broken leg suffered at the Club World Cup over a year ago.
Both players are only 23, meaning the next four years should represent the peak of their careers. Klopp's entire attacking strategy must be constructed around maximising these two exceptional talents. The challenge lies in finding the tactical framework that allows them to flourish together and deliver the goals Germany desperately needs to compete with Europe's elite at major tournaments. Their development will define whether Klopp's project succeeds or fails.
Restoring Germany to championship contention requires surgical precision in addressing goalkeeper succession, liberating Wirtz and Musiala from their international struggles, and solving three additional squad-building challenges. Klopp's reputation suggests he possesses the tactical acumen and leadership to navigate these obstacles, but success is far from guaranteed in a landscape dominated by France, Spain, and England.
