It has been quite the ride since Jurgen Klopp was announced as Germany's head coach in July. In his first news conference, Klopp admonished the media, urging them to treat him fairly and refrain from any attacks against his family. Last Thursday, during another media conference, Klopp called for "positive patriotism" amid political turmoil in the country.
When asked whether he considers himself an ambassador for Germany in his new role, Klopp's answer was a serious one. "From my perspective as a sportsman, I can say that I would very much like to reclaim the flag for myself, for all of us," said Klopp. "I want it so that when someone waves it, no-one thinks: 'What is wrong with you?' Instead, I want people to understand: You are happy and realise how lucky you were to be born, grow up, or move to this wonderful country." His statement was made in light of the success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
The anti-immigration party has since scored another win in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Klopp's remarks were widely and positively discussed in the media - the German national team represents a diverse Germany, as several players come from a migrant background. KIopp also remarked about the recent success of Alexander Zverev at the US Open, the women's basketball team at the European Championship and German athletes at the European Athletics Championships, saying sport can ensure "a sense of community".
He added: "This is our mission: we need to create a good atmosphere." Klopp knows, intentionally or not, how to make headlines. However, the German Football Association (DFB) didn't hire the former Liverpool boss on an annual salary of £6m to become a commentator on the state of Germany - but to transform a floundering national team. Klopp wants to 'reclaim' flag amid German elections Klopp starts Germany reign by threatening to quit Between the two news conferences, Klopp looked like the busiest national team boss on the planet, making countless visits to league games and training facilities.
One day fans could see Klopp sitting in the stands of Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park, his old stomping ground and, not long after, they may have caught a picture of him in the VIP lounge of Mainz's stadium or somewhere near Eintracht Frankfurt's training pitch talking to players. Klopp has approached this new job with open eyes. Initially, the charismatic 59-year-old drew up a list of 57 players who could have been selected for this first international break.
"Players will receive chances who don't even expect it yet," Klopp said in July. His first selection wasn't short of surprises. In the flavour of a trial-and-error principle, Klopp and his staff decided to select two almost completely different squads for the upcoming four games.
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