Amateur football advocates criticize DFB over Klopp appointment focus

As reports suggest Jürgen Klopp is poised to become the next head coach of the German national football team, a group representing amateur football has voiced strong criticism of the German Football Association (DFB). The organization, known as 'Hartplatzhelden' (Rough Pitch Heroes), argues that the DFB's decision-making process is too narrowly focused on professional football, neglecting the needs and interests of the grassroots game.

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In a personnel decision of this magnitude, action must absolutely be taken in the interest of amateur football.

In a statement, Hartplatzhelden emphasized that any significant personnel decision, such as appointing a national team coach, must also serve the interests of amateur football. They expressed concern that the DFB, as the governing body, appears to consistently prioritize the interests of professional football over those of the more than 24,000 amateur clubs in Germany.

The debate surrounding Klopp's potential appointment, including discussions about his salary and potential conflicts of interest, is seen by Hartplatzhelden as emblematic of this broader issue. They noted that Klopp is reportedly set to sign a contract until the 2030 World Cup, with an annual salary exceeding seven million euros, a figure comparable to the severance package reportedly paid to Julian Nagelsmann after his contract termination.

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We observe with concern that the salaries of national coaches are increasingly aligning with those in commercial club football.

Steffen Wenzel, managing director of Hartplatzhelden GmbH, advised Klopp to "return to the roots," suggesting that a national team's success relies on more than just top-tier performance. He argued that the new coach needs broad support from the base, which would be more readily achieved by adopting a "back to the roots" philosophy, starting with the coach's salary. Hartplatzhelden stressed that their demands are independent of any specific individual, focusing instead on a perceived imbalance within German football leadership.

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A national team functions according to different laws than the Champions League. And after the many failures, the new national coach needs the approval of the base more than ever, otherwise the desired new beginning will be even more difficult. He would gain approval much more easily if he acted according to the motto 'back to the roots' - and that starts with the salary.

While high-level discussions revolve around multi-million euro contracts and potential side activities for top officials, many amateur clubs are grappling with rising costs, deteriorating facilities, increasing bureaucracy, and a shortage of volunteers and qualified coaches. Hartplatzhelden's core demand is clear: "The DFB must put amateur football back at the center of its actions."

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The DFB must put amateur football back at the center of its actions.