Germany's saviour? How Klopp is looking to turn fortunes around
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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.
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.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. And he helped transform Andy Robertson into a force on Liverpool's left side.Klopp's style helps to elevate all the members of his squad - not just the most talented.Fitness and mental readiness are highly important, and some newcomers might just have that to impress the new manager.
Youth and energy seem to be preferred."I have the desire to work with guys who cannot wait to wear this jersey, who want to play the kind of football everybody enjoys and who perform even better wearing the national team jersey," Klopp said.We can expect from him to simplify Germany's approach to ball possession. There is potential for an exciting Germany side we have not seen in quite a while.Finally, the emotional component plays a role in Klopp's entire approach.