2024-10-02 01:27:26
Jürgen Klopp received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on Tuesday. In his speech, the successful coach appeared humble.
Jürgen Klopp was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in Berlin. The 57-year-old received the honor on Tuesday at Bellevue Palace from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as one of 28 people who “demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the values of democracy.”
Klopp’s “success and fame never stopped him from paying attention to each individual athlete and seeing them as a human being,” said the reason for the award: “He also always took a lot of time for his numerous fans the entire region in which he lived.” From Liverpool, the “most popular German in Great Britain” also “contributed significantly to a positive image of our country.” Klopp said: “We showed in England that we are not that bad.”
Klopp felt honored. “It’s really, really special. There are a lot of people here with incredibly great achievements in life. That’s why I feel very humble and very small in a group of such extraordinary people with such extraordinary stories,” he said and added: “We are happy “Everyone was very happy about the award. It was a very dignified event.”
Klopp’s community and social commitment were highlighted. He helps “disadvantaged young people, advocates for tolerance and shows how cohesion and solidarity can be lived. Jürgen Klopp has thus become a great role model for many – and an outstanding football ambassador far beyond the world of sports.”
Klopp, who has ended his coaching career for the time being, celebrated numerous successes at his positions at FSV Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and FC Liverpool. With BVB he became champion twice (2011, 2012) and won the double in 2012. The two-time world coach of the year won the Champions League (2019) with Liverpool FC and became English champions (2020).