Jürgen Klopp, the newly appointed head coach of Germany’s national football team, has called for a renewed, positive expression of national pride amid rising electoral successes for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Speaking at a press conference in Frankfurt on Friday to announce his first squad since taking over in July, Klopp emphasized the need to distance patriotic feelings from extremist influences.

The comments came shortly after the AfD secured nearly 44% of the vote in the state election of Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, with the party expected to perform strongly in upcoming elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Although Klopp did not name the AfD directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as a response to these developments.

“I don’t want to entrust national pride to the wrong people,” Klopp said. He expressed a desire to “reclaim the flag” for himself and the broader public, so that when it is displayed, it evokes a sense of happiness and appreciation for living in Germany rather than suspicion or discomfort. The 59-year-old coach highlighted that recent political events had left many questioning the current state of national identity and pride.

Klopp spoke about “positive patriotism,” stressing that it is possible to be proud of being German while also embracing openness, diversity, kindness, and friendliness. He noted the complexity surrounding the term “national pride,” acknowledging that it can be easily misunderstood or linked to nationalism in a negative sense. Still, he affirmed that expressing pride should be a unifying and inclusive sentiment rather than one associated with exclusion or extremism.

While recognizing the importance of social issues such as healthcare provision and the availability of doctors and caregivers, Klopp underscored the role football can play in fostering community and collective spirit in Germany. “Football can foster a sense of community here, allowing us to truly feel the power of sport,” he said.

Klopp’s appointment came after Germany’s national team experienced a third consecutive early exit from the World Cup, signaling a period of transition for the four-time world champions. Known for his outspoken views during his managerial tenures at Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Mainz, Klopp’s statements reflect his ongoing engagement with wider social and cultural matters beyond the football pitch.

The coach’s remarks have been interpreted as a call for inclusive patriotism aimed at reclaiming Germany’s national symbols from political factions viewed by many as divisive. As Germany faces elections that could reshape its political landscape, Klopp’s message positions the national football team as a potential symbol of unity and positive identity.