Matthias Ginter has opened up about his conversation with new Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp after missing out on the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
The 32-year-old SC Freiburg defender, who has been in stellar form recently, told kicker that he had a "very good and appreciative" conversation with Klopp and felt that his performances had been noticed.
However, Ginter believes his age ultimately worked against him.
"Age is simply the decisive issue for me, because I would be 34 at the next tournament," Ginter said.
The centre-back admitted that he understands Klopp's decision, given Germany's current options in defence and the new coach's focus on building a team for the future.
"You can still play good football at 34,"Ginter said. "But given the age structure and the many good, younger players in my position, it is absolutely understandable to me."
Ginter has not played for Germany since June 2023 and was also overlooked by former head coach Julian Nagelsmann for the 2026 World Cup. He has nevertheless enjoyed an impressive start to the new season with Freiburg, contributing five scorer points in six competitive matches.
The defender has earned 51 caps for Germany and was part of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup. He also won Olympic silver in 2016 and the Confederations Cup in 2017.
Ginter also has a personal connection with Klopp, having worked under him at Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career. Despite the latest omission, he appears to have accepted that his international career may have reached its conclusion.
"I had nine very nice years with the national team,"Ginter said. "I did everything in my power. At the moment, it feels complete and free."
Klopp's first Germany squad contains 44 players as the new coach assesses a wide pool of options. Seven centre-backs were selected for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, including Ginter's Freiburg teammate Max Rosenfelder .
