Gündogan opens up on Klopp’s new Germany approach | OneFootball

Ilkay Gündogan has spoken about the start of Jürgen Klopp’s time as Germany head coach and the changes he sees in modern football.

According to Die Zeit, Gündogan believes football has become increasingly individualistic. Social media has made players more visible than ever, with personal brands and individual success often playing a bigger role.

Klopp, however, “is trying to put the focus back on the team”. Since taking over as Germany coach, he has repeatedly spoken about togetherness and a stronger connection between the national team and its supporters.

Gündogan knows Klopp well. The midfielder worked with him at Borussia Dortmund (117 games) before later moving to Manchester City, where he played under Pep Guardiola against Klopp's Liverpool team.

Klopp has now started his Germany tenure with an unusually large squad. He initially called up 44 players, split into two groups, as he looks for the right mix ahead of the next challenges.

For Gündogan, Klopp's approach could therefore represent more than a tactical change. The new coach is also “trying to change the way the national team presents itself - with more team spirit and less focus on individual players”.

Klopp's first games have already attracted significant attention in Germany, with his communication and approach becoming almost as much a talking point as his football.