Klopp vows to reclaim German flag from 'wrong people' after far-right gains
Jürgen Klopp has called for national pride in Germany to be reclaimed from the "wrong people" in comments widely seen as a criticism of the far-right after the AfD won an election this month. The new Germany coach wants Germans to feel they can celebrate their country without being associated with extremism. His message comes days before his Nations League debut against the Netherlands.
ByNatilla4 min read
Jürgen Klopp, Germany's new head coach, has urged his country to take back expressions of national pride from the "wrong people". The remarks, made on Thursday, are widely understood as a direct rebuke to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after the party won a state election earlier this month.
- Klopp does not name the AfD, but criticises those who have hijacked national symbols.
- The coach says no one should question a German who waves the flag with joy.
- He promotes a "positive patriotism" compatible with an open and diverse Germany.
- The comments come before his Nations League debut against the Netherlands.
Why Klopp is speaking about the German flag now
The political backdrop shapes every word from Germany's new coach. The AfD comfortably beat mainstream parties in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, and could also top the polls in another state election this weekend. If that happens, Germany could see the first far-right state government since the postwar era.
Klopp never mentioned the far-right party by name, but his message was unmistakable. Speaking at a press conference to unveil a 44-man split squad for upcoming Nations League matches, he said he does not want to leave national pride to the "wrong people" and would like to "reclaim the flag".
Positive patriotism instead of misunderstood pride
The coach acknowledged the sensitivity of patriotism in a country that has long viewed overt displays of national pride through the prism of its Nazi past. Wearing a cap with an Adidas logo in the colours of the German flag, Klopp said he prefers the term "positive patriotism" to "national pride", which he fears could be misunderstood.
Can you be proud to be German and still be open, diverse, nice and friendly — can you still show compassion? I am 100 percent certain: Yes!
Klopp wants people to understand that someone who celebrates their country simply feels happy and fortunate to have been born, grown up, or moved to a wonderful place. Nothing more, nothing less.
A Nations League debut at the centre of attention
Klopp's words came as he presented a split squad of 44 players for Germany's upcoming fixtures. His first match in charge will be against the Netherlands on 24 September, a game that will mark the start of a new era after his successful spells at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
The former Liverpool manager is one of the most recognisable figures in German football, and his stance on national symbols has already triggered reactions from across the political spectrum.
German politics reacts to Klopp's call
The secretary general of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats has welcomed the coach's call. Franziska Hoppermann said all Germans should and are allowed to wear their national colours with pride and confidence as symbols of their freedom, rather than leaving that space to extremists.
An AfD spokesperson said the party would issue a statement later on Thursday. For now, Klopp's message makes clear that the battle over German symbols is being fought off the pitch as much as on it.
FAQ about Klopp's comments on German national pride
Frequently asked questions
What did Klopp say about the German flag?
Klopp said he does not want to leave national pride to the "wrong people" and would like to "reclaim the flag". He added that when someone waves it, no one should think something is wrong with that person.
Did Klopp mention the AfD by name?
No, Klopp avoided naming Alternative for Germany directly. However, his references to "wrong people" and to this month's election result were widely interpreted as a criticism of the far right.
When does Klopp make his debut as Germany coach?
Klopp will take charge of his first Germany match on 24 September against the Netherlands in the Nations League. He announced a 44-man squad split into two groups for the upcoming fixtures.