Mika Baur Makes History as 1000th German International Under Jurgen Klopp
Celtic midfielder Mika Baur earned his first cap for Germany, becoming the 1000th player to represent the national team, and received praise from manager Jurgen Klopp.
Celtic midfielder Mika Baur marked a significant milestone in his career by becoming the 1000th player to represent the German national team at the senior level. The call-up came under the management of Jurgen Klopp, who recently took the helm of the German squad.
Baur earned his debut during recent international fixtures against Serbia and Greece. Following his appearances, Klopp singled out the midfielder for praise, reportedly comparing his abilities to those of multiple Champions League winners. This positive reception from the manager has added to Baur's confidence as he returns to club duties.
Reflecting on the experience, Baur described the feeling of playing for Germany as "unbelievable" and an "honor." While he noted the statistic of being the 1000th international as a "nice side fact," his primary focus was on the experience itself. He highlighted the intensity of training sessions and the quality of his teammates as key takeaways from the camp.
"The whole eight days were a great experience," Baur stated. "High quality in training, a lot of great players playing in top leagues with top clubs."
He also commended Klopp's ability to foster a welcoming environment within the squad. "He just made us feel very comfortable and feel welcome in the squad. It was a nice experience," Baur added.
The German national team is currently navigating a period of transition, with new coaching staff and evolving ideas. Following recent group stage exits in major tournaments, there is an expectation for a resurgence of past glories. Baur acknowledged this process, noting the blend of experienced and young players in the recent squads and the clear communication of the coaching staff's plan.
"I think in Germany at the moment, it's a process — new coaching staff, new ideas," Baur said. "You could see during the matches it was a process and you can see development during the weeks as well."
Baur's emergence signifies a new wave of talent aiming to restore Germany's standing on the international football stage.