Carsten Cramer, the Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, has expressed strong support for Jürgen Klopp to take the reins as the head coach of the German national team. In a recent interview with kicker, Cramer highlighted Klopp's expertise and infectious enthusiasm as key attributes that could rejuvenate German football and inspire a broader positive impact.

Cramer Advocates for Klopp's Appointment

Cramer firmly believes that there are no valid objections to appointing Klopp as the Bundestrainer. He referred to Klopp as a “fantastic football coach” who embodies the confidence and competence that the national team currently lacks. Cramer emphasized that selecting Klopp would be a “logical, conclusive, and extremely understandable choice.” While acknowledging Klopp's significant legacy at Borussia Dortmund, Cramer made it clear that the club does not seek to gain any specific advantage from his potential appointment. He stressed that the primary goal should be to have the best players representing Germany, irrespective of their club affiliations, noting that while Klopp will always be part of the Dortmund “family,” the decision should be made independently of club interests.

Navigating Leadership Changes at BVB

As Borussia Dortmund adjusts to the departure of Hans-Joachim Watzke as Managing Director at the end of 2025, Cramer is keen to maintain continuity in the club's direction. He dismissed the notion of distancing the club from Watzke to carve out his own identity, stating that it would be “stupid” to ignore Watzke’s valuable insights. Cramer contrasted this approach with how some other clubs in German football manage leadership transitions, indicating a commitment to leveraging Watzke's experience for the benefit of Dortmund.

Strategic Shift for Borussia Dortmund

In light of the increasing financial strength of elite European clubs, Borussia Dortmund is re-evaluating its sporting and business strategies. Cramer articulated a vision to enhance the club’s profile, moving away from the traditional model of developing young talent solely for immediate sale. He expressed a desire to retain key players for longer periods, aiming to hold onto them “until the day after tomorrow or the day after that,” rather than selling them at their peak value. This strategic shift is a response to the increasingly “brutal” competitive landscape in international football.

As Borussia Dortmund navigates these changes, Cramer's endorsement of Klopp underscores a broader ambition to strengthen the club's position both domestically and in European competitions.