Klopp imposes four strict rules on Germany squad ahead of Amsterdam match

Jurgen Klopp has introduced four strict rules for the Germany national team ahead of his first match as manager against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday, measures that must be observed before the game on 25th September at 12:15 am IST.

Klopp, 59, returned to a managerial role two years after ending a nine-season spell at Liverpool, where the article says he won every possible award at Anfield, including the Premier League title. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has been appointed to lead Die Mannschaft back to prominence, the piece states, following a World Cup campaign in which Germany were eliminated in the last 32 after losing to Paraguay on penalties. Julian Nagelsmann was dismissed after three poor years in charge, and the report adds this followed the departure of Joachim Löw.

The newspaper BILD, cited in the report, says Klopp has set four specific rules that players must follow before his first game. The measures include mandatory punctual attendance at team dinners so players eat together; a ban on mobile phones before matches, during massages and while at the gym; a prohibition on haircuts at the team hotel; and a reduction in family visits during major tournaments.

BILD describes the change as a shakeup from the environment under Nagelsmann, saying that previously players would arrive at team dinners whenever they wished while Klopp requires everyone to eat at the same time to foster a collective atmosphere. The report adds that the phone restrictions are intended to ensure focus and clearer communication among squad members and that there is a strong suggestion players should speak with each other.

The article quotes Klopp’s desire for professional standards off the pitch, stating players must look after themselves before reporting for international duty "just like any other worker would." It notes the haircut restriction at the team hotel as an example of those standards and links the family-visit limitations to stronger team bonding ahead of crucial matches.

All of the measures are to be implemented immediately and must be observed before Klopp’s opening fixture, which the report specifies will take place in Amsterdam against the Netherlands on Thursday and is listed as 25th September, 12:15 am IST. The rules, according to the report, form part of Klopp’s preparations for that match.