Mika Baur has become the 1,000th player to represent Germany in international football, and the man who brought him on did not hold back with the praise. Jurgen Klopp hugged Baur as he entered the field on the 76th minute during Germany’s 2-0 victory over Serbia in Munich, and afterward, the new Germany manager spoke warmly of the Celtic summer signing.
The Debut
Baur made his debut for Germany last night in the Nations League Group A match at the Allianz Arena. His entry saw him reach the milestone of being the 1,000th player to represent Germany in international football.
Klopp’s Words
Klopp was full of praise for Baur after the match. He noted the challenges Baur faces playing in the Scottish Premiership, which he described as “the toughest league in the world.”
His message to Baur was simple: if he can prosper at Celtic, he will be tough enough to play anywhere.
“He can really kick a ball well. We’ve really seen now that he’s a wonderful footballer. He moved from Paderborn to the toughest league in the world in the summer,” Klopp said, as reported by Daily Record.
“And to succeed there he will need physical attributes, and to put himself through that, that’s really something special.”
“He’s one player who constantly reminds me of a multiple Champions League winner. Not just in appearance, but also in his overall temperament.”
The Family Moment
Baur himself spoke after the game, describing the evening as surreal even after the final whistle. He said his pulse was high but settled as soon as he stepped onto the field.
He praised the team’s performance from the first to the last minute, singling out the counter-pressing and tenacity that the team discussed, combined with the quality of the players around him.
“It still felt surreal even after the final whistle. I can hardly describe it. My pulse was high, but then it was fine as soon as I stepped onto the field,” Baur said.
“The team was truly incredible from the first to the last minute. Especially those attributes we discussed: this counter-pressing and being tenacious – and yet combined with fantastic players in the team who can play amazing football. I think today was a highlight for everyone.”
A Long Break
The international break has been a long one for Celtic supporters, but this result will feel like a welcome lift as the club prepares for the trip to Fir Park a week on Sunday.
Baur becoming the first Celtic player to play for the German national side since Andreas Hinkel 17 years ago, back in 2009, adds to the significance of the evening.
The praise from Klopp carries weight because it comes from a manager who knows what top-level football demands. Calling the Scottish Premiership “the toughest league in the world” speaks to the physicality of the competition more than the overall ability on show.
Klopp’s comparison of Baur to a multiple Champions League winner is high praise indeed. It suggests he sees something special in the young player’s temperament as well as his technical ability.
For Celtic, this is a moment to savour. Baur’s debut for Germany is a signal that the club’s summer signing has arrived at the highest level.
- Baur made his debut for Germany in a 2-0 win over Serbia
- He entered the field on the 76th minute to become the 1,000th player to represent Germany
- Klopp hugged Baur as he entered the field
- Klopp praised Baur’s ball-kicking ability and his temperament
- Baur became the first Celtic player to play for Germany since Andreas Hinkel in 2009
The Celtic fans will be delighted for Baur, and the club will be pleased for the lift heading into the weekend’s fixture.
Source material: “Jurgen Klopp – Mika Baur plays in ‘toughest league in the world’,” Yahoo Sports.
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