Jürgen Klopp visited the training ground of VfB Stuttgart in Bad Cannstatt. The former Liverpool manager took the opportunity to observe the Bundesliga side preparing for the international break.
VfB Stuttgart has started the 2026/27 season with three points from two games and currently sits ninth in the Bundesliga standings. With five goals scored and six conceded, the team shows an attacking but still uneven performance. The next challenge awaits on September 12th against 16th-placed 1899 Hoffenheim.
Klopp's visit shows his ongoing connection to the Bundesliga. International fixtures are approaching, and performances in the league influence squad planning for the national team. "His presence at the training ground also comes at an important stage of the season, with club performances beginning to shape the conversation around Germany's squad selections," Klopp said.
Stuttgart has several German players who could be considered for the national team. Young defender Finn Jeltsch has already attracted attention. Klopp wants to see players in a training environment rather than relying solely on television scouting. "Rather than relying solely on television scouting, being present at training sessions allows him to observe players in a different environment and get a closer understanding of their development, fitness, and role within their clubs," he explained.
Sebastian Hoeneß's squad is currently missing several injured players. The injuries list includes Dan Zagadou, Lorenz Assignon, Luca Jaquez, Nikolas Nartey, Tiago Tomás, and Dennis Seimen. These absences present a challenge for the upcoming tasks.
Despite the setbacks, Stuttgart has made a solid start to the season. With one win and one loss, the Swabians are just three points behind surprise leaders FC Augsburg. This early form could make a difference for players like Jeltsch for a national team call-up.
Being observed directly by a coaching personality as renowned as Jürgen Klopp is a special motivation for the players. It signals that good performances at Stuttgart do not go unnoticed. For young talents, it's a chance to present themselves in direct comparison with established teammates.
Klopp can spot details in a training session that get lost in a match. Reactions to coaching instructions, intensity in duels, and technical execution under pressure are factors he can assess better this way. These impressions feed into his analysis as he maintains his connection to German football.
VfB Stuttgart now focuses on the away match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on September 12, 2026.
