Watzke defends Klopp's patriotism, draws a line to party politics

Hans‑Joachim Watzke made clear in the Sunday interview with Die Welt that he stands behind Jürgen Klopp's statements on patriotism and national pride, while also drawing the line that a national team coach must not take a partisan political stance. He emphasized that the coach's message is correct and that democratic values should be at the forefront.

Boundary to Party Politics

Watzke explained that a national team coach, as a public figure, is naturally allowed to have and express a political opinion. However, he views partisan political statements critically and considers them inappropriate.

Klopp's first staff nomination included the note that he does not want to leave national pride to the wrong people, and called for a positive patriotism that respects the country without extremist tendencies.

Watzke stressed that Klopp's remarks should not be interpreted as sympathy for the AfD. He understands the message rather as that patriotism should not be equated with right‑wing extremism.

In substance he shares Klopp's view and advocates for a healthy patriotism. He pointed out that people could be proud to live in Germany.

Watzke described Klopp as a convinced democrat who does not explicitly align himself with party politics. He positively assesses that the national team coach uses his public visibility for democratic values.

Thus, Watzke clearly stands behind Klopp, without assigning his remarks to any particular party, and emphasizes the importance of a patriotism shaped by democracy.