Klopp: German football has talent; we must create manageable expectations for players

Klopp, who is set to become the German national team coach, believes that despite the team’s early exits from the FIFA World Cup three times in a row, the future of German football remains promising.

Klopp told MagentaTV during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina: "We were runners-up at the U21 European Championship, and the U17s won both the FIFA World Cup and the European Championship in 2023. We have talent."

At the same time, Klopp demanded: "We must create expectations that players can handle. The game needs to feel free for players to perform at their best. They shouldn't always feel: 'We're not good enough, we can't satisfy anyone.'"

Klopp also said that a unified "development language" is crucial for a better future, admitting: "I can't even say whether this has already been achieved."

However, the reality is that full-time coaches have long been assigned to youth development performance centers at all levels. Klopp said: "But if you sit there at 8 AM, and the kids come to practice after school at 4 PM, you won't say: Just play casually now. You'll have 10 ideas, 20 ideas. There will definitely be over-coaching, not everywhere, but it does exist."

Klopp believes the most appropriate approach to youth training is: "Play, play, play." He also said: "We must get children into sports, and then get children who love sports into football. This is not for tomorrow, but for the future." Klopp will be responsible for shaping that future.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse all the news, comments, match details, and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com