“Wir haben so ein bisschen dieses “Made in Germany” verloren in Deutschland,” said Marc Kosicke, external advisor to the German Football Association (DFB).
The federation is now attempting to reclaim that competitive edge under the working title “Deutschland plus,” an initiative aimed at reshaping the national team’s identity following its exit from the World Cup this summer.
Kosicke, who joined the DFB alongside national team coach Jürgen Klopp, serves as a primary liaison between the federation’s leadership, media, sponsors, and the sport itself. He works closely with DFB Bernd Neuendorf and General Holger Blask to integrate the team’s traditional operational standards with the evolving social fabric of the country.
The project seeks to layer modern influences onto the established German footballing foundation. Kosicke argues that the team must incorporate external cultural assets to remain competitive on the international stage.
“All das, was die neuen Kulturen in unserem Land so dazu addieren, wie Freude, Kreativität, Leichtigkeit – das ist jetzt ja nicht typisch deutsch -, ist das, was bei Deutschland draufkommt,” said Marc Kosicke.
Despite this push for a more creative flair, the 55-year-old insists that the physical demands of the sport remain non-negotiable. “Mehr geht immer, also mehr arbeiten, mehr laufen, mehr Zweikämpfe führen. Das ist schon die DNA,” said Marc Kosicke.
The restructuring of the DFB leadership initially faced stiff resistance from veteran figures within the game. In August, Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß publicly criticized the influence of the new guard.
“Klopp und Co. haben den DFB übernommen, und das halte ich für falsch,” said Uli Hoeneß.
Kosicke confirmed that the tension has since dissipated following a direct conversation with the Bayern patron. He stated that the dispute was resolved during a phone call, clearing the air regarding his role and the direction of the federation.
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