Klopp brands far‑right questioning of Germany’s squad as idiotic
Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool legend and newly appointed manager of the Germany national team, has dismissed the far‑right criticism questioning whether the side is ‘white enough’, branding the commentators ‘idiots’ and calling the debate ‘insane’. Klopp began his first camp with a draw against the Netherlands, a loss to Greece and a 2‑0 win over Serbia.
AfD backlash after Greece loss
The defeat to Greece on Sunday prompted several far‑right politicians to comment on the team’s ethnic composition. Kay Gottschalk, deputy leader of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), posted side‑by‑side images of West Germany’s all‑white 1990 World Cup final squad and the eleven selected to face Greece, which featured eight non‑white players. He wrote that ‘character traits, certain virtues, and team spirit are cultural values that develop over centuries and are shaped by shared historical experiences.’
Klopp rebuffs the criticism
Klopp reacted sharply, saying there is ‘absolutely no reason to pay attention to these people’ and that he has little time for ‘idiocy’, especially on social media. He argued that everyone is free to express an opinion but called the focus on race ‘insane when something like that exists’. He added that a sports changing room respects individuals on facts, not on ‘false opinions’.
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Earlier far‑right attacks on the German side
The AfD’s challenge is not new. After Germany’s elimination from Euro 2016, Deputy Party Leader Beatrix von Storch wrote on X: ‘Perhaps the German NATIONAL TEAM should play again next time?’ The comment echoed the same racial questioning that resurfaced in 2024.
Speaking shortly after his appointment, Klopp said he wants to ‘reclaim the flag’ for the nation. He warned against entrusting national pride to the ‘wrong people’ and stressed that the flag should represent happiness and gratitude for being born or living in this ‘wonderful country’. He framed his mission as a sporting perspective on national identity.
In related coverage, a story about Man City’s financial‑fair‑play verdict also featured Klopp’s comments, underscoring his high profile in both club and international football.