Jürgen Klopp's imminent appointment as Germany's Head Coach is set to usher in a new era for Die Mannschaft, and Philipp Lahm has had his say on this new direction in the wake of Spain's 2026 World Cup Victory.
Spain Win The World Cup
Spain secured World Cup glory last weekend, defeating Argentina one goal to nil to secure their second-ever World Cup victory. In the aftermath, Bayern legend Philipp Lahm has had his say on the new direction of the German national team and whether or not they should seek to emulate the new world champions. After all, it will be the ambition of Die Nationalelf to win the World Cup themselves next time around - particularly with the genius management of Jürgen Klopp.
Jürgen Klopp's Germany
Klopp is on the verge of being officially announced as Germany's next national team manager. Everybody knows what he will bring to Die Mannschaft. Intensity, verticality, passion, and desire will all be key pillars of the new era, alongside an emphasis on attacking football.
Philipp Lahm Has His Say
Lahm, who played 517 times for Bayern, was resolved in his vision for the future of the German national team.
We need to rediscover the identity of the German national team. We don't need to copy Spain and their possession-based style of play; we have our own strengths. Defensive organization, physical, resilient football, and then attacking - that's what has always defined us as a national team.
Based on those requirements, you would expect Lahm to be thrilled by the imminent appointment of Jürgen Klopp. In no small terms, Lahm has described exactly what Kloppball entails.
Lahm also called for more ruthlessness in squad selection:
At some point, personnel changes have to be made if someone consistently fails to perform.
This echoes Klopp's earlier comments during the World Cup, when he controversially called for Deniz Undav to play over Jamal Musiala. Ultimately, he was vindicated when Undav later fired Germany to victory against Côte d'Ivoire to progress out of the group stage.
Ultimately, Lahm believes that the changes he has described will lead Germany out of their international football slump:
If we become more decisive and consistent in these areas again, we'll find our way out of this slump, even though it has already lasted for a very long time.
Germany fans everywhere will be hoping, like Lahm, that Klopp can implement his style and help arrest what has become a long period of stagnation for the German national team.
Which Bayern Players Will Benefit Most From Klopp's Appointment?
Naturally, as by far the biggest team in Germany, Bayern contributes many players to the national team.
Chief amongst them is Jamal Musiala. Whilst the immediate reaction may be worry, given Klopp's calls to drop the Bayern maestro, he did later explain that his idea was based on Musiala's recent form and fitness - not his opinions about the player's quality.
If anything, Klopp's experience getting the most out of other No.10s throughout his career should bring great confidence that he can get the best out of Musiala for Germany.
Most of the Bayern players who currently call themselves German internationals are likely not to be involved next time the World Cup comes around due to their age. That's all bar Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović. The defensive midfielder impressed at the World Cup and continues to build season upon season for Bayern. Again, Klopp has great experience getting the most out of deep-lying midfielders during his managerial career, including names like İlkay Gündoğan and Emre Can.
Author's Verdict: Lahm is Right!
Lahm is spot on in his desire to see the German national team transform back into a team defined by direct, physical football. And Jürgen Klopp is exactly the manager to lead that transformation, and in the process, hopefully get the most out of Bayern's young German stars.
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