At his official introduction as new national team coach, Jürgen Klopp (59) didn't just speak about his great excitement for the new role - he also directed clear words at the media. The former Liverpool and Dortmund coach made it clear right at the start of his tenure where he draws the line: when it comes to his family.
"It is a great honor and a very, very special day for me", Klopp said at the German Football Association's press conference. He is approaching the new role "with joy" and is looking forward to working with media representatives in the coming years. At the same time, however, he directed a clear request to the journalists.
Klopp warns against rushing to judgment
After two years away from the major media circus, he had noticed that he hadn't missed this part of the business. "I've now actively been out of the media circus for two years and I can't say that I missed it", Klopp explained.
He was all the more surprised by how quickly information and speculation reached the public again. "I was then surprised, not yet annoyed, but surprised at how quickly it got out", the new national team coach said. Klopp therefore appealed for responsible handling: not everything needs to be published or evaluated immediately.
Jürgen Klopp: "Leave my family alone"
Klopp was particularly emphatic on the topic of privacy. He explained that criticism of his work is part of the job for him. If something doesn't work, he is prepared to deal with it. However, he will not accept personal attacks or intrusion into his family life.
"If you misbehave and don't leave my family alone, I'm gone. Just to make it clear", Klopp said emphatically.
The new national team coach also explained that he consciously decided to take on the role, even though he had followed the public criticism of his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann (39). "I'm taking the job even though I've seen how you treated Julian", he addressed the press representatives.
"Criticize me when something doesn't work"
Klopp made it clear that constructive criticism is not a problem for him. "Criticize me when something doesn't work. I'm happy to work on it", he said. However, it is crucial for him that it always be about the matter at hand.
For Klopp, the position of national team coach is apparently more than just another stop in his impressive career. "This is ideally the pinnacle of my career", he explained.
After successes with Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and FC Liverpool, what now awaits is probably the most emotional task of his coaching career: returning the German national team to the top of world football. In doing so, Klopp doesn't just want to convince on the field - but also create the framework conditions under which he can work successfully.
