Klopp hands Pavlovic and Urbig starts against Greece with stern warning for Kimmich

Jürgen Klopp, who is contracted to lead Germany until 2030, has made a bold selection call ahead of the rematch against Greece on 4 October 2026. The tactician has confirmed that 22-year-old midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović and goalkeeper Jonas Urbig will both start.

This selection highlights Klopp's commitment to a radical youth revolution as Germany look to avenge their 1-0 first-leg defeat and close the gap at the top of UEFA Nations League Group A2.

Pavlović and Urbig: Klopp's youth revolution to face Greece

Jonas Urbig gets the nod in goal despite currently serving as Manuel Neuer's understudy at Bayern Munich. The decision is designed to hand the 23-year-old shot-stopper crucial first-team experience on the international stage.

In midfield, Aleksandar Pavlović is handed the keys after an impressive display in the 2-0 victory over Serbia. Klopp has made it clear that the Bayern Munich midfielder is an indispensable cog in his current system.

The combination of Pavlović, Florian Wirtz, and Tom Bischof is expected to form the bedrock of Germany's future midfield, shaping the national team's style of play for years to come.

Klopp's stern warning to Joshua Kimmich

Handing opportunities to these young prospects serves as a stern warning from Jürgen Klopp to the squad's established stars, most notably Joshua Kimmich. The manager has insisted that no player, regardless of status, is safe under his regime.

With an experimental 44-man squad called up, competition in midfield has reached unprecedented levels. Every single player must prove their worth on the pitch rather than relying on past reputation.

The immediate test for this side is a challenging trip to Greece. Germany must secure a win to avenge their 1-0 first-leg defeat and close the three-point gap on the current Group A2 leaders.

The Verdict

Jürgen Klopp's tenure with Germany, secured until 2030, is being built on iron discipline and ruthless competition. Reputation counts for nothing; every star must prove their value in an uncompromising selection process.

Sidelining established veterans to put faith in youngsters like Pavlović and Urbig is a bold statement of Klopp's new philosophy. Whether this daring youth revolution will help Germany avenge their defeat against Greece, or if inexperience will cost them against a savvy opponent, remains to be seen.