Jurgen Klopp – Mika Baur plays in ‘toughest league in the world’ | OneFootball

Celtic supporters will be delighted for Mika Baur after he made his debut for Germany last night in the 2-0 victory over Serbia in the Nations League Group A match in Munich and interested in what Jurgen Klopp had to say afterwards…

October 1, 2026 Germany vs. Serbia, Munich, October 1, 2026, Soccer, Nations League, 20262027 Season, Germany vs. Serbia, Mika Baur, Germany. Photo IMAGO

The new Germany manager Jurgen Klopp has clearly taken a shine to the Celtic summer signing, as the former Liverpool and Dortmund boss gave Baur a wee hug as he entered the field on the 76th minute to achieve the landmark of being the 1000th player to represent Germany in international football.

Baur made an impact in the game and afterwards Klopp was full of praise for the Celtic star while noting the challenges he faces playing in the Scottish Premiership which he described as “the toughest league in the world”, clearly a reference to the physicality more than the overall ability on show.

However the point is worth noting, what Klopp is saying is that if he can prosper playing for Celtic then he will be tough enough to play anywhere.

Mika Baur also became the first Celtic player to play for the German national side since Andreas Hinkel 17 years ago, back in 2009.

October 1, 2026, Soccer: 20262027 UEFA Nations League, Matchday 3, Germany vs. Serbia, at the Allianz Arena in Munich from left: Mika Baur Germany and Filip Kostic Serbia. Photo IMAGO

Jurgen Klopp afterwards spoke about the message he delivered to the young German star, telling Baur that he sees real potential in him playing at the highest level.

“He can really kick a ball well. We’ve really seen now that he’s a wonderful footballer. He moved from Paderborn to the toughest league in the world in the summer,” Jurgen Klopp said, as reported by Daily Record.

“And to succeed there he will need physical attributes, and to put himself through that, that’s really something special.

“He’s one player who constantly reminds me of a multiple Champions League winner. Not just in appearance, but also in his overall temperament.”

Nations League, Group A, Matchday 3, Germany vs. Serbia on October 1, 2026, at the Allianz Arena in Munich Mika Baur, 1,000th national team appearance substitution. Photo Bahho Kara IMAGO

There’s an alrighty challenge in that message as well as quite amazing praise which will see Mika returning to Lennoxtown on cloud nine and that could be a welcome lift of Celtic as we start to consider the trip to Fir Park a week on Sunday. Oh it’s been a long old international break has it not?

Mika Baur himself spoke after what was an incredible evening for himself and his family.

The young Celt said: “It still felt surreal even after the final whistle. I can hardly describe it. My pulse was high, but then it was fine as soon as I stepped onto the field.

“The team was truly incredible from the first to the last minute. Especially those attributes we discussed: this counter-pressing and being tenacious – and yet combined with fantastic players in the team who can play amazing football. I think today was a highlight for everyone.”

Well done Mika!

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