Klopp expected to keep Kimmich as Germany captain, says Rudi Voller

Rudi Voller does not expect Jurgen Klopp to make a dramatic early statement by changing Germany’s captain, and believes Joshua Kimmich will retain the armband under the new national coach.

Klopp was appointed Germany head coach last week following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann, who left his role after Germany were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in the last 32 by Paraguay on penalties, after a 1-1 draw.

The former Liverpool manager, speaking at his first press conference in charge, declined to confirm who would wear the captain’s armband, stressing only that all players would have the chance to represent Germany.

However, Voller, the national team’s sporting director, has played down the prospect of a change.

Speaking at the International Coaches’ Conference in Mainz, Voller said: “I expect that Joshua Kimmich will remain the captain of the national team. He has proven in many international matches that he is a real leader and a great captain, and I cannot imagine a major change in this position.”

He added: “We all heard what Klopp said, and it did not seem that he has any different plans in this regard.”

Kimmich’s leadership role

Kimmich has been Germany’s captain since Ilkay Gundogan retired from international football following UEFA Euro 2024. The Bayern Munich midfielder has already made 114 appearances for the national side.

The 29-year-old had been one of the senior figures in Nagelsmann’s squad and inherited the armband after Gundogan, who had led Germany through Euro 2024, brought his international career to an end.

German supporters are now closely watching how Klopp will shape the identity of the team in his first months in charge, including whether he will stick with the existing leadership group or merely adjust tactical and technical aspects.

Klopp’s first fixtures in charge

Klopp’s competitive debut with Germany is scheduled for the next international window spanning September and October.

Germany will face the Netherlands on 24 September, before hosting Greece three days later. They then play Serbia, followed by a return meeting with Greece on 4 October in the UEFA Nations League.

Those matches will provide the first opportunity to see how Klopp sets up his team and whether he confirms Kimmich’s status as captain, or opts for a different structure while maintaining the midfielder’s influential role.

For now, Voller’s comments indicate continuity at the top of the dressing room hierarchy, even as a new era begins on the touchline.