# Klopp takes Germany job amid far-right surge

> New coach Jurgen Klopp uses football to reclaim national pride from extremists after AfD's election gains.
- Title: Klopp takes Germany job amid far-right surge · BBC Sport
- Summary: New coach Jurgen Klopp uses football to reclaim national pride from extremists after AfD's election gains. Klopp believes German football can help restore…
- Keywords: jurgen klopp, germany national team, alternative for germany, afd, election, far-right politics, patriotism, football, saxony-anhalt, julian nagelsmann, red bull, news
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cmwyzk6xkrd0o
- Published: 2026-09-17T13:02:40.474+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jurgen klopp, germany national team, alternative for germany, afd, election, far-right politics, patriotism, football, saxony-anhalt, julian nagelsmann, red bull, news
## Klopp takes Germany helm
Jurgen Klopp was appointed Germany coach after the country's World Cup exit. He previously worked as global head of soccer for Red Bull.
## Far-right AfD surges in elections
The Alternative for Germany party won 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt and expects strong results in upcoming elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
## Klopp wants to reclaim the flag
Klopp says he wants to reclaim the German flag from those who misuse it, so people see it as a symbol of happiness and pride in a wonderful country.

> I would very much like to reclaim the flag for myself, for all of us.
## Sport builds community, not division
Klopp stressed he's not a political expert but said football can foster community and help people feel the power of sport together.
## Squad includes 16 uncapped players
Klopp named 44 players for four Nations League matches, including 16 uncapped players. Premier League stars Kai Havertz, Kevin Schade, and Anton Stach are included.
## Musiala returns after collapses
Jamal Musiala was selected despite collapsing twice during Bayern Munich pre-season games. Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rudiger retired from international duty.
## Key takeaway

Klopp believes German football can help restore positive patriotism and counter far-right political movements through sport.