Interesting news for fans who follow German football: Former Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp is working on the idea of launching a new youth competition in Germany - the U21 League. This project aims to serve as a "transition bridge" for talented players before advancing to the Bundesliga.
What kind of team is Klopp working with?
According to sources, Klopp is participating in the DFL's special expert group. There:
- world champion Sami Khedira,
- Sports Director of "Eintracht" Markus Krösche,
- DFL Chairman Mark Lenz,
- There is also the DFB Sports Director Andreas Rettig.
In short, a "football laboratory" has been assembled - each of them has extensive experience in their field.
Why was such a league needed?
The organizers are speaking openly about the main problem: the path from youth to big football in Germany is becoming increasingly difficult. Statistics are also giving a bad "signal":
- Among the 100 most productive academies in Europe, there are only 9 clubs from Germany.
- The number of players who left their academy is 338 in Germany, 527 in Spain, 633 in France, and 641 in England.
- Almost 85% of the Bundesliga's playing time is attributed to ready-made or acquired players, while the proportion of their own players is very low.
That is, there is talent - but there is a lack of "visible stage" with that talent.
When and how does the U21 League work?
According to the project, the U21 league is scheduled to begin in the 2026/27 season. The DFL intends to put the clubs to vote for approval of a special game regulation at the members' meeting on March 3rd.
Main points in the plan:
- Participation is voluntary;
- The format is close to the "Swiss" model (like in the Champions League): each team is expected to play at least 6 matches;
- matches (in the league stage) can be played without spectators - to reduce costs and organizational burden; in the final stage, the option of allowing fans will be considered.
Klopp's current role is not without reason
Currently, Jürgen Klopp serves as the head of Global Soccer within the Red Bull system. Therefore, his entry into the topic of "growing talent" is a logical continuation.
What conclusion?
If this league launches, one of the most painful points in German football - the "gap" after the U19s - might close somewhat. As a fan, this is the hope that we will see more new stars in the Bundesliga tomorrow. For now, it's all a project, but "the case involving Klopp" usually isn't just talk - this person does pressing not only on the field but also in the system.
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