Klopp urges German team to reclaim flag after AfD surge
In a packed Frankfurt press conference on Thursday, Jurgen Klopp unveiled his first Germany squad and warned that his team must help keep national pride from falling into the wrong hands after the Alternative for Germany secured 43.8% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt.
Klopp, who guided Liverpool from 2015 to 2024, arrived in the German job following Julian Nagelsmann’s departure after the World Cup second‑round exit. Before his appointment he served as global head of soccer for Red Bull, bringing a wealth of international experience to the national side.
Election shock and football's role
The AfD’s 43.8% share fell just short of an absolute majority in the regional parliament, but the party is poised for strong showings in Sunday elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania. Klopp stressed that football can act as a stabilising force when politics threatens to polarise the nation.
Klopp calls for positive patriotism
“I would very much like to reclaim the flag for all of us,” the former Liverpool boss said, adding that he prefers the phrase “positive patriotism” to the more ambiguous “national pride”. He warned that pride should not be “entrusted to the wrong people” and insisted he can be proud to be German while remaining open‑minded and diverse.
New squad for Nations League
Klopp named a 44‑man pool for four Nations League fixtures over two weeks, with 16 uncapped players making the initial list. A first group of 24 will travel to face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on 24 September and Greece in Augsburg three days later, before most return to clubs.
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The opening roster features Premier League trio Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kevin Schade (Brentford) and Anton Stach (Leeds), while Jamal Musiala earned selection after twice collapsing in Bayern Munich pre‑season games.
The second group, joining later, includes Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt on his first call‑up, alongside Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz and Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defender Antonio Rudiger have retired from international duty, creating space for the newcomers and marking the end of an era that began under Nagelsmann.
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Klopp also highlighted the country’s need for more doctors and caregivers, arguing that football can foster community spirit and help people feel the “power of sport” in challenging times.