Germany coach Jürgen Klopp takes clear line against racism
New Germany coach Jürgen Klopp said football dressing rooms can inspire the world ahead of his side's UEFA Nations League clash against Serbia, after racist comments about his team were made on social media.
Jürgen Klopp made his position on racism clear from his first press conference as Germany coach, emphasising that he did not want to "leave national pride to the wrong people."
The former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz coach said: "Can you be proud to be German and yet be open, diverse, kind and friendly? Can you have compassion? Can you have all these things? I am one hundred percent certain that you can."
He was asked again about the issue, ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Serbia on Thursday evening, when a journalist questioned him about racist online comments regarding his team. The squad had been called "not white enough" or "not German enough" on social media after a 1-0 loss to Greece in Augsburg.
Klopp had a clear view on the matter, saying: "There is no reason to give these people any thought. They aren't getting any of my attention. I have little time for stupidity in real life, and none on social media either."
Klopp emphasised that the bond among Germany's players is outstanding, and the fact that many of them have a migrant background is not an issue whatsover.
He said: "The group we have here together couldn't be better in terms of how they get along. The world could learn a thing or two from a sports dressing room. Everyone is respected based on the actual facts, not discredited because of misguided opinions."
