Subotić and Gündoğan urge patience and discipline under new Germany coach Jürgen Klopp

Warning to established internationals

Former Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotić warned senior players in the German national squad that reputation alone will not secure their positions under Jürgen Klopp. Writing in Kicker, Subotić noted that Klopp previously discarded high-profile players at Dortmund whenever they disrupted squad cohesion or failed to execute his tactical requirements. Subotić pointed out that Klopp maintains a firm backbone and builds team structures with uncompromising consistency, regardless of external reactions around the club. He stressed that competitive performance, physical work rate, and absolute commitment to the collective game plan are the primary requirements for any footballer under the new manager.

I would warn the established players that their big name will not do them much good under Klopp.

Call for patience after winless start

Midfielder İlkay Gündoğan urged supporters and media to show patience with the national team following two winless fixtures at the start of Klopp's tenure. In an interview with Die Zeit, the 35-year-old Galatasaray midfielder pointed out that Klopp took over both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool during periods of competitive distress before guiding both clubs to titles. Gündoğan explained that the selection of more than 40 players across early squads reflects Klopp's enthusiasm for managing Germany and his desire to thoroughly assess the national player pool. The 82-time Germany international noted that adapting to Klopp's demanding system requires time and effort from the squad.

He also took over Liverpool and Dortmund when they were at rock bottom and led them to titles. It will be a hard road for the players, as shown in the first two matches.

Personal reflections on management style

Gündoğan reflected on his own past experiences working under Klopp at Dortmund, describing the manager's approach as emotional, direct, and authentic. He recalled a specific incident where Klopp shouted at him and slammed a door after the midfielder arrived late for a physiotherapy session. The manager returned half an hour later to embrace him, explain his disciplinary standards, and offer an apology for his immediate reaction. Gündoğan stated that players readily accepted Klopp's temperamental outbursts because the manager calmed down quickly and maintained genuine honesty with his squad.

Jürgen once gave me a dressing-down. From his point of view, I was too late at the training ground to go to the physio. He came storming into the room, shouted at me, and slammed the door. That was not quite appropriate for the matter. Half an hour later he took me in his arms, explained why he was so strict, and apologized.

Future transition into coaching

The former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder also outlined his personal plans to enter football management after concluding his active playing career. Gündoğan explained that working under high-level managers demonstrated the profound influence coaching can have on a team's performance and culture. He credited his former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, with whom he won the Champions League title in 2023, for inspiring his transition into technical leadership. Gündoğan indicated that observing Guardiola's methods helped him identify his own future path on the touchline once his contract in Istanbul concludes.

I would like to work as a coach. I have experienced what coaches can achieve. Ultimately, my former coach Pep Guardiola planted the idea in me. In his role, I recognized my future one.