Klopp calls for positive patriotism as he names first Germany squad
Jürgen Klopp wants Germany's football team to take back the flag.
The new national coach named his first squad at a press conference in Frankfurt on 17 September and used the moment to talk about pride, patriotism and the far right. "I don't want to entrust national pride to the wrong people," he said, according to The Guardian.
Klopp did not name the Alternative for Germany party directly. The meaning was clear enough. Eleven days earlier, the anti-immigration AfD won almost 44% of the vote in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September.
He said he was not sure the phrase national pride can still be used without being misunderstood. Then he argued for what he called positive patriotism.
"I can be proud of being German and still be open, diverse, kind and friendly," Klopp said. He added that, speaking as someone in sport, he would like to reclaim the flag for himself and for the team.
What makes this stand out is how early he said it. Klopp only took the Germany job in July, after a third straight early exit at a major tournament. His first squad announcement could have been only about formations and fresh faces. He chose to make it about who German football is for.
The football part is bold too. Klopp named 44 players to cover four Nations League matches, the UEFA international competition played between World Cups and European Championships. Matchday squads are limited to 23, so places are far from settled.
Germany start away to the Netherlands. Then they face Greece home and away either side of hosting Serbia. The first game under Klopp comes on 24 September in Amsterdam, where Germany will wear green 1990 retro away shirts.
Marc-André ter Stegen goes into the block as first-choice goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer's international retirement. Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi is back for the first time in 11 months.
For fans, this means a fresh start with a familiar face leading it. The group ends with the Netherlands at Berlin's Olympiastadion on 16 November, with public ticket sales due to start on Tuesday.
Klopp built his reputation on heavy pressing and loud atmospheres at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. In Frankfurt, the message was quieter. Win games, fill stadiums, and give strangers something to share again.
