News (engl.)

Germany are preparing for their final international break of 2026, with two UEFA Nations League fixtures remaining. Jürgen Klopp’s side travel to Serbia on Friday (20:45 CET) before hosting the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday (20:45 CET). Philipp Treu and Derry Scherhant spoke about the upcoming clash with Serbia and how they are settling into the national team.

Philipp Treu on…

…his development with the national team: First of all, it’s an incredible honour just to be here. One thing that really helped me at the start was already knowing quite a few of the players, like Nico Schlotterbeck. Everyone made us feel really welcome, especially the more experienced players, who made an effort to get to know the newcomers. We owe the whole team a big thank you for making things so easy for us. It’s been great fun working with the lads. Having already spent two weeks with the squad myself, I was able to help Derry settle in.

…the shirt from his international debut: It caused quite a stir, even at home (laughs). My girlfriend and I have agreed that it can go on the rail at home where I keep my most special shirts, like the ones I wore when I scored my first Bundesliga goal and made my Bundesliga debut. It’s now hanging proudly at the front.

…his current role in the team: I’m naturally a very open person and I’m already trying to lead by example. That’s something I’ve done at my previous clubs too. I like building relationships with the players around me, and as a full-back, I communicate a lot on the pitch. That worked really well against the Netherlands, particularly with Jonathan Tah. We were constantly communicating and giving each other instructions. That gives me confidence, and I think the other players have responded well to it.

…how his playing style has developed: Moving to SC Freiburg has really helped me because I’m getting more opportunities to get involved in the final third. That’s been hugely beneficial in terms of improving my attacking play. With the national team, I’m also encouraged to get forward a lot as a full-back. For example, when the ball is out on the left wing, I’m allowed to make runs into the box. I want to offer even more of a goal threat in the next two games.

…the possibility of becoming a regular starter: We’re both keeping our feet on the ground and just trying to give everything in training. There’s a lot of competition for places here. We’re embracing that challenge and benefiting from pushing each other to improve.

…playing behind closed doors: It’s obviously a shame because every footballer wants to play in front of fans. But we experienced something similar during the pandemic, so we know what it’s like. We’re still pleased that a few children will be allowed into the stadium, which is a nice touch. One possible advantage is that we’ll be able to communicate even better on the pitch. But overall, the circumstances won’t make much difference to us.

…the situation in the group: The group is still wide open. We’re going into the Serbia game determined to win so that we can set up a decider in Berlin. That’s our focus for now. We know it won’t be an easy game in Serbia, but we want to go there and get a positive result.

…his conversations with Joshua Kimmich: We’ve spoken a lot, although not actually about playing at right-back. We’ve talked about all sorts of other things. It’s no secret that Jo has always been someone I’ve looked up to and seen as a role model. We have a lot of good right-backs in Germany and there’s fierce competition for places, which is good for all of us. It’s good for journalists too, because they can finally stop worrying about Germany’s right-back position (laughs).

…the role of wide players under Jürgen Klopp: I think our wingers are given a lot of freedom. As a full-back, it’s particularly important to support them, whether that’s by making an overlapping run or drawing defenders away to create space for them to cut inside. Defensively, it’s also about the two players working together.

Derry Scherhant on…

…celebrating his birthday with the national team: The team sang for me, in several different languages too. But I’ve already received the best birthday present I could ask for, which is being here with the national team. So I’m really happy to be spending my birthday here.

…what his first international call-up was like: It was a really special moment for me, and everything happened so quickly. The team made me feel very welcome and the coaching staff showed a lot of faith in me. It was a fantastic experience and I hope I can build on it now.

…the setbacks he has faced in his career: I know what it feels like to be overlooked and not get the chance to play at youth level. That really shaped me and motivated me to prove those who didn’t believe in me wrong. It still drives me today to work hard, give everything and get the most out of myself.

…the possibility of playing for Germany at the Olympiastadion: That would be an incredibly special moment for me. It’s almost impossible to imagine. I grew up just five minutes from the stadium. It’s where I first played professional football, so having the chance to return with the national team is something really special. Of course, my friends and family will be there to support me.

…the possibility of becoming a regular starter: First and foremost, I’m just grateful to be experiencing all of this. I really enjoyed my first two games and obviously hope things continue that way. I’ll do everything I can in training and in matches to make that happen.

…playing behind closed doors: It’ll be a new experience for me because I wasn’t playing professional football during the pandemic. I’m actually quite looking forward to it in a way, and I think it’ll help us communicate on the pitch.

…playing on the wing: I think the way we play with the national team really suits me. We’re encouraged to stay high and wide and have the confidence to take defenders on. That’s what I tried to do in my first two games and it gave me another boost in confidence. I want to keep building on that.