Although Jürgen Klopp has not yet officially taken up his position as the new German national team coach, the team’s strategic direction has already been set. In doing so, the 59-year-old appears to be drawing inspiration from a formula for success employed by FC Bayern under Vincent Kompany.
Jürgen Klopp is still enjoying a few days off following the World Cup before the first meetings with his coaching staff take place in Frankfurt in mid-August. Behind the scenes, however, preparations for his first international match cycle are already in full swing.
According to information from Sport BILD, Klopp has already obtained the phone numbers of the national team players so he can contact them personally. At the same time, the new national team coach has presented his fundamental tactical ideas to the DFB.
According to the report, the national team is set to adopt a significantly more aggressive approach in the future. High-pressing, greater activity when defending, and greater resilience in one-on-one duels are among the key components of the new philosophy.
Man-to-man marking, just like under Kompany
Particularly interesting from FC Bayern’s perspective: Klopp reportedly plans for the German national team to consistently defend man-to-man in the future—exactly as Vincent Kompany has the German record champions do. The entire team is expected to defend together and put early pressure on the opponent.
In doing so, Klopp is modeling his approach on the style that led FC Bayern to the double last season. Under Kompany, the record champions repeatedly relied on aggressive pressing, intense one-on-one duels, and a bold, high defensive line.
The numerous Bayern pros on the DFB team could also benefit from this approach. Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Jonathan Tah are already familiar with these tactics from their daily club routines and should therefore adapt quickly to Klopp’s style of play.
