Felix Nmecha's goal celebrations after Dortmund's 2-1 win over Elfersberg last weekend drew controversy, and the issue dominated questions when Germany coach Jürgen Klopp faced reporters ahead of Friday's match against Serbia. Nmecha mimicked taking a crown off his head and kneeling to place it on the ground, a gesture many understood as a nod to the Ballers in God (BIG) campaign "The King's Return."

BIG, a Christian group for footballers, says it aims to "demonstrate love and respect towards everyone," but critics claim it discriminates against queer and transgender people. Klopp said in Belgrade on Thursday evening that the 26-year-old Nmecha had assured him he meant no harm and does not discriminate against anyone. "I thought nothing of it at the time, but then it all kicked off," Klopp said, adding that he had confronted Nmecha with the concerns reporters raised and that Nmecha had agreed not to repeat the celebration.S1S2

On the pitch, Klopp's priority is keeping Germany's hopes of reaching the Nations League quarterfinals alive with a win over Serbia on Friday. Germany are third in Group A2 with 5 points, behind the Netherlands and Greece, who both have 8. Serbia, which Germany beat 2-0 in Munich last month, is still without a win. Klopp said his team felt well prepared and were committed to earning a result in the final group game on Monday in Berlin against the Netherlands.S1S2

Serbia was sanctioned for racist and discriminatory behaviour by its fans, so the match was originally to be played behind closed doors. A UEFA rule allowing a selected group of guests to attend has changed that, and children under 15 accompanied by teachers or football coaches are expected at the game. Klopp expressed disappointment that only a few thousand Serbian children would be admitted. A Serbian FA spokesman told the DPA news agency to expect some 5,000 guests in a stadium with a capacity of 55,000, while the German FA has been allocated just 50 tickets for its fans.S1S2