According to reports from Kicker and Bild (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann will not be called up by Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp for the national team’s upcoming Nations League matches.
The Hoffenheim goalkeeper has been part of Germany’s recent goalkeeping picture and had been viewed as one of the options competing for a place in the squad. His omission, however, suggests that Klopp is ready to look elsewhere as he continues to assess his options between the posts.
For Baumann, the decision represents a setback at a time when every international window is important for players hoping to establish themselves in the Germany setup. The 36-year-old has consistently been regarded as a reliable Bundesliga goalkeeper, but competition for places remains fierce.
The decision will also add another layer of intrigue to Klopp’s first choices in goal. With the Nations League providing an opportunity to evaluate players ahead of future major tournaments, every call-up can offer an indication of how the new Germany boss views his depth chart.
Baumann will now have to respond at club level and make his case impossible to ignore the next time Klopp names his squad. At his age, though, time could be running out on his international career.
With Manuel Neuer no longer in the picture, Klopp’s goalkeeper selections just got very interesting.
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