New German international reveals how he heard about his selection

Two days before Germany’s crucial Nations League match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Tim Kleindienst, the tall and powerful forward of Borussia Mönchengladbach, shared the unexpected and somewhat humorous story of how he found out about his call-up to the national team.

The moment was far from glamorous or even football-related. He wasn’t at a training ground, a match, or even mentally preparing for anything significant. Instead, Kleindienst was running errands, browsing plants at Obi, a well-known German home improvement store comparable to Praxis or Gamma in the Netherlands.

Reflecting on the moment with laughter, Kleindienst explained, “You don’t expect the national coach to call you out of the blue. I didn’t hear my phone at first because it’s always on silent. Not even on vibrate. I was at Obi, buying plants, and completely missed the first two calls. I also didn’t have Julian Nagelsmann’s number saved, so I didn’t recognize it. But thank God I picked up on the third try,” he chuckled, clearly still amused by how ordinary and unexpected the moment had been.

For Kleindienst, the call marked a significant milestone in a football career that, for many fans, might not have seemed destined for the national team spotlight. At 28, he is not a young prodigy breaking into the squad, but rather a player whose hard work, persistence, and performances in the domestic league have earned him a chance to represent his country. His name is not as familiar to the broader football community as some of Germany’s other rising stars, yet his path to the national team is a testament to determination and a reminder that late bloomers in football can still achieve great things.

From Humble Beginnings to National Team Call-Up

Kleindienst’s footballing journey began in the youth academy of Energie Cottbus, a club that was once a staple in Germany's top divisions but has since faded from the spotlight. His early career at Cottbus was marked by steady progress, showcasing his ability to lead the line as a traditional number nine. Kleindienst’s physical attributes standing at 6'5" naturally drew comparisons to classic target men, but his game has developed beyond just his height and aerial ability. He possesses a keen eye for positioning and a knack for holding up play, making him a valuable asset for teams that utilize a direct attacking style.

His next steps took him to SC Freiburg, where he further honed his skills, though he struggled at times to cement a regular starting role in the top tier. It was at 1. FC Heidenheim, however, where Kleindienst truly made his mark. His prolific goal-scoring during his two spells at the club helped Heidenheim achieve promotion to the Bundesliga, a historic moment for the club and a testament to Kleindienst’s impact. A brief stint at AA Gent in Belgium gave him a taste of international club football, but it was his return to Heidenheim where he truly flourished again, catching the eye of Bundesliga scouts.

In the summer of 2023, Borussia Mönchengladbach, a club with a rich history in German football, signed Kleindienst. His arrival at Gladbach represented a significant step up in terms of expectations and competition, but Kleindienst adapted well, bringing his trademark work ethic and goal-scoring ability to his new team. His solid performances in the early part of the season did not go unnoticed, culminating in the surprise call from Nagelsmann.

Ready for His International Debut

As Kleindienst prepares for his potential debut with the German national team, either against Bosnia-Herzegovina or the Netherlands, the striker remains humble but optimistic about his chances. He knows that as a forward, his opportunities might come sooner than for defenders, who typically have fewer substitutions. “As a forward, you often get rotated more, especially in matches where the coach needs fresh legs up front,” Kleindienst noted. His experience as a target man, combined with his physical presence, could prove useful for Germany in matches where they might need a different option in attack.

For fans, the possibility of seeing Kleindienst in the national team adds an element of intrigue. He has been humorously nicknamed “Timothy Smallservice” by German football fans—a playful jab at his surname Kleindienst, which translates to “small service” in English, contrasting with his towering stature. Despite the light-hearted nature of the nickname, Kleindienst is serious about making the most of this opportunity.

Overcoming Challenges and Competition

Kleindienst’s journey to the national team has not been without its challenges. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he has not always been in the spotlight. While others moved quickly through the ranks, Kleindienst had to grind his way through various clubs and divisions, proving his worth with each step. His perseverance has now paid off, but he knows that securing a place in the national squad will require continued hard work.

Germany, under Nagelsmann, is currently undergoing a bit of a transitional phase. Injuries have ravaged the squad, with key players like Marc-André ter Stegen, Jamal Musiala, Niclas Füllkrug, Kai Havertz, Robin Koch, and David Raum all sidelined for the upcoming fixtures. These absences, coupled with the recent retirements of stalwarts like Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gündogan, have opened the door for players like Kleindienst to make their mark.

A Crucial Nations League Campaign

Germany’s upcoming matches in the Nations League are critical, not just for team morale but also for their standing in the tournament. With four points from two matches, Germany is currently joint-top of the group alongside the Netherlands, while Bosnia-Herzegovina and Hungary trail behind with one point each. The top two teams will progress to the quarterfinals, making these matches must-win situations for Germany.

Kleindienst’s inclusion in the squad adds a new dynamic to Germany’s attacking options. Whether he gets the chance to make his debut against Bosnia or the Netherlands, his story of unexpected opportunity serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. One moment you’re shopping for plants at a local store, and the next, you’re representing your country on the international stage. For Tim Kleindienst, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in his footballing career.