Jürgen Klopp's agent Marc Kosicke rejects criticism of the DFB's role

Jürgen Klopp's agent Marc Kosicke has rejected criticism of his role at the German Football Association (DFB). The 55-year-old told the “Frankfurter Rundschau” that he would stay out of the national team’s sporting affairs.

»Jürgen gave me the name AAF with a wink: everything but football. My job is to create the best possible conditions for Jürgen and his coaching team," says Kosicke. He also won't be sitting next to Klopp on the substitutes' bench during international matches: "No, I don't belong there," said the long-time advisor and friend of the new national coach.

Klopp introduced Kosicke as assistant coach for strategy, development and innovation at his DFB presentation. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf had guaranteed him “every access” as an “external advisor” to the association. Klopp and Kosicke “only existed as a package,” said Neuendorf. That sparked criticism. Uli Hoeneß, honorary president of FC Bayern Munich, explained that he did not know what the design was intended to achieve and described this as a “friendly takeover”. “Klopp and Co. have taken over the DFB, and I think that’s wrong,” said Hoeneß.

Kosicke now contradicted this: "It's not about a takeover, it's simply about doing the right things." Together with the people who worked at the DFB and who care about football, the best thing should be achieved for the national team and German football - "always in a democratic culture of discussion."

Klopp had also already reacted to the debate about Kosicke. "I'm sure we won't be discussing his role in a year's time because then the influence will be noticeable," he said on Sky as a stadium guest at FC Bayern's Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart.

The new national coach is currently visiting several clubs to hold discussions with and about possible national players. He wants to announce his first squad on September 17th. On September 24th, the DFB team starts the Nations League in the Netherlands.