According to Sky Germany, the German national team will determine a new on-field leader following Kimmich's departure.

Ahead of the international matches against Serbia and Greece, Germany coach Klopp rotated the squad as planned. Germany captain Kimmich left the team after the first two matches as scheduled, though according to internal sources, he had wanted to stay.

Klopp had originally planned to work with a different group of players in the second week. With Kimmich's departure, the reassembled German team must now find new leaders on the field.

Sky Germany expert Matthäus does not fully agree with this decision. In his column, he questioned the decision to let Kimmich leave. Matthäus stated: "Kimmich is not only the captain of the first squad but also a leader for the other players who gathered in Herzogenaurach on Monday. I would have let him participate in all four matches so that the new faces could get to know him. Because the captain, alongside the coach, is also responsible for the team."

Will Wirtz become Germany's leader?

Klopp must now determine who will be the next captain. Wirtz could be an interesting option. Despite his relatively young age, the attacking midfielder is already one of the most experienced internationals in the current squad. With 46 caps, he is the second-most capped player in this German team and has the potential to become one of Germany's most important attacking players.

The choice of captain could also signal Klopp's intentions. Wirtz has had a difficult start at Liverpool. The extra trust given by Klopp through the captaincy might boost his confidence and help him fully regain his form with the German team.

However, not all factors support Wirtz as captain. This attacking player is not currently a typical leader or dressing room spokesperson. The captain's armband means more than athletic ability. Especially in a newly formed team, communication, presence, and authority are essential.

Several veterans are also alternatives

Therefore, more experienced candidates could emerge. Gnabry has 61 international caps, making him the most capped player on this list. Schlotterbeck also possesses leadership qualities and often serves as vice-captain at Borussia Dortmund to Emre Can.

Raum has captaincy experience at RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, Anton also has leadership credentials in the dressing room. The centre-back was captain at his former club Stuttgart and is now third-captain at Borussia Dortmund, behind Emre Can and Schlotterbeck.

Matthäus believes the team has enough leaders

Matthäus is confident that the German team has sufficient options. He said: "You already have people with the personality and ability to lead the team onto the field. It's not difficult to rally 10 people behind you and say, 'Now follow me, let's go out there and beat the Serbs!'"

Who will wear the captain's armband against Serbia will be more than just a minor detail. After a disappointing performance against Greece, observers will closely watch Klopp's choice for this position. This decision may be the first indication of who will assume Germany's leadership hierarchy following Kimmich.

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