Klopp criticized by Matthäus over first Germany squad announcement

German football icon Lothar Matthäus has criticized new Germany coach Jürgen Klopp for announcing his first squad on a Thursday while players are readying for Europa League and Conference League club action.

Klopp will name the squad for four Nations Leagues matches starting in the Netherlands on September 24 on Thursday, September 17. Matthäus thinks it should be pushed back until the Friday. 

"Even if they have already been informed in advance by the national coach, the players could be disturbed in their concentration by constant questions. It does something to a player's psyche if you are asked about it before an important match," Matthäus said in a column for broadcaster Sky.

"I would really ask Jürgen Klopp to make the nominations in future on a Friday morning or at midday."

He added that if a player is injured in a European match on the Thursday, no late call-up would be needed and a new player could be drafted in before the squad was made public.