Klopp: It's not surprising that Kosik will be questioned, but he excels in some areas.

Germany's new head coach Jurgen Klopp spoke about his collaboration with assistant coach Alex Kosik and addressed questions about this unusual coaching team setup.

Previously, Bayern Munich's honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, criticized the German national team's coaching change, considering it more like a "friendly takeover." Ahead of Bayern's Bundesliga opener against Stuttgart, Klopp responded to this in an interview with Sky Sports: "Absolutely not. It doesn't matter. I completely understand, no problem. People are already judging us even before we've done anything."

Klopp stated that there is a difference in public opinion regarding him and Kosik: "Most people probably have higher expectations of me than of me. But Mark faces some skepticism because the role he plays doesn't exist in the past."

Kosik will serve as "assistant coach for strategy, development and innovation" at the German Football Association, a special position that Klopp personally explained at his inauguration press conference.

Klopp said: "Some people said, 'We can't just change the coach.' Okay, then we'll do more than just change the coach. Then they'll say, 'There's no need to do that now.'"

Besides Kosik, Klopp's German national team coaching staff also includes three assistant coaches: Sven Bender, Peter Kravitz, and Pepiin Liendes.

The German Football Association has also made management changes. Per Mertesacker, a member of the 2014 World Cup-winning team, will succeed Andreas Reitich, the outgoing sporting director, on January 1, 2027, and will be responsible for youth development for all levels of the German national teams and youth academies.

When discussing his long-term collaboration with Kosik, Klopp spoke highly of his longtime partner.

“I’m sure that a year from now, we won’t be discussing his role anymore, because by then, his influence will be very evident,” Klopp said. “The fact is, I’ve worked with Mark Kosik for 20 years. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met in some areas.”

Klopp further explained: "I'm only an expert in some areas, and in other areas, there are people who are better than me. Mark is one of them, so he will join our team."