Klopp's most discussed personnel: Who is Marc Kosicke?

Jürgen Klopp's return to German football as the new national team coach has brought his close advisor, Marc Kosicke, into the spotlight. Kosicke, who has been with Klopp since his early coaching days at Mainz 05, is now described as Klopp's "co-trainer for strategy, development and innovation."

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He comes into a room and you yourself grow taller.

The relationship between Klopp and Kosicke began in 2005 when Klopp, then a coach at Mainz, approached Kosicke, then a marketing director at Nike, about becoming a brand ambassador. Although Nike only worked with players, the encounter led to a personal and professional partnership. Kosicke recalls that it was never his plan to recruit Klopp as a client, yet Klopp became his very first.

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It was never my plan to win him as a client.

Kosicke's prominent role was evident at Klopp's press conference, where he sat in the front row. While the official DFB (German Football Association) announcement for the new coach did not detail Kosicke's specific function, President Bernd Neuendorf stated he would be an "external employee" handling "organizational matters for the entire coaching team." Neuendorf acknowledged the deep connection between Klopp and Kosicke, noting they were essentially a package deal and that Kosicke would serve as a "crucial interface" with access "up to my office."

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We want to turn over every stone.

Kosicke was also present during negotiations with Klopp in New York following Julian Nagelsmann's departure. He will no longer represent other coaches. His influence is seen as a reflection of Klopp's significant sway. However, Sky expert Dietmar Hamann suggests that Kosicke's position presents "a certain vulnerability." Kosicke is familiar with the DFB, having previously advised Oliver Bierhoff, who held various roles within the national team from 2004 to 2022. Kosicke and Bierhoff also co-founded the agency Projekt B, which later became Project Five.

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For that, you need your people who take care of it together with me.