Jürgen Klopp, the newly appointed manager of Germany’s national football team, has emphasized the importance of national pride being associated with positive values, especially after recent political developments in Germany. During a press conference in Frankfurt, where he announced his first squad for the team, Klopp referenced the recent election victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD won nearly 44% of the vote in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September and is expected to perform well in upcoming elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. These results have sparked concern among many in Germany about the direction of the country’s politics. Klopp took over the German national team in July, following the team’s third consecutive early exit from the World Cup. Known for his strong views on social issues during his time managing clubs like Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Mainz, Klopp has now turned his attention to the role of football in society. While he did not name the AfD directly, he expressed a desire to reclaim national pride for the better, advocating for a form of "positive patriotism." He said, "I don't want to entrust national pride to the wrong people," reflecting on past political events that some found alarming. In his remarks, Klopp also highlighted the importance of unity and community, stating that football can play a role in fostering these values. He noted that while it is crucial for Germany to have enough doctors and caregivers, football can bring people together and help them feel the power of sport. For the upcoming Nations League matches, Klopp has taken an unusual approach by naming a 44-player squad, far exceeding the usual 23-player limit. This decision is due to the condensed schedule of four matches in just two weeks, allowing him to assess a wide range of players. The squad includes several new faces, many of whom have not previously played for Germany. Players such as Felix Keidel from Elversberg and Younes Ebnoutalib from Eintracht Frankfurt have limited experience in top-tier football. Others, including Mika Baur from Celtic and Vitaly Janelt from Brentford, are also making their debuts at the international level. Meanwhile, some high-profile players like Deniz Undav and Leroy Sané were not selected, and Klopp is looking to balance experience with fresh talent, while also managing player workloads. The team will face the Netherlands, Greece, and Serbia in the coming weeks, with a focus on integrating new players and building team cohesion.