'Back to the roots': Amateur group hits out at DFB over Klopp
· Yahoo Sports
German amateur football group Hartplatzhelden has accused the governing body DFB of favouring the professional sector in connection with the expected appointment of Jürgen Klopp as national team coach.
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A statement on Friday said that it was "essential to act in the interests of amateur football as well" in a decision of such a magnitude.
Hartplatzhelden, an independent platform dedicated to amateur football, are mainly concerned about Klopp's salary and possible conflicts of interest.
It said that the issue confirmed "a development in which it appears that the DFB as umbrella organization of German football regularly puts the interest of professional football over those of the more than 24,000 amateur clubs.
‘The DFB must put amateur football back at the centre of its actions again," it said.
The group said they want a successful national team but at the same time are "observing with growing concern that the salaries of national team coaches are approaching those in commercial club football."
Klopp is set to sign a contract until 2030 and to earn more than €7 million ($8 million) a year. The compensation payment for predecessor Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Germany's last 32 exit at the World Cup, is said top be close to €7million.
Hartplatzhelden said while rich contracts are being discussed the amateur sector is suffering from rising costs and crumbling facilities as well as not enough volunteers and coaches.
“A national team operates according to different rules to the Champions League. And following so many setbacks, the new national coach needs the support of the grassroots more than ever; otherwise, the desired fresh start will be even more difficult," Hartplatzhelden managing director Steffen Wenzel said.
"He would be much more likely to gain that support if he acted in line with the motto ‘back to the roots’ – and that starts with the salary."