Jurgen Klopp has issued an apology to Julian Nagelsmann after casting doubt over his position as Germany manager. The former Liverpool manager caused a stir within the German camp ahead of their World Cup campaign following some contentious remarks made on live television.
Klopp's Controversial Comment
The former Liverpool boss is serving as one of the lead pundits on Magenta TV, where he called on Nagelsmann to leave out Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala for the opening fixture against Curacao. However, it was a single word used during an exchange with fellow pundit Thomas Muller that prompted Klopp's grovelling apology. Klopp used the word "still" when referring to Nagelsmann's role as national team manager.
He said: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team", seemingly implying his tenure may not last much longer, depending on Germany's fortunes at the tournament.
Klopp's Apology
After Germany overcame Curacao 7-1 in their opening match, he had a message for his countryman. Klopp has long been touted as the frontrunner to succeed Nagelsmann as Germany's next manager. In the meantime, though, he has been forced to eat humble pie. He admitted feeling so foolish for the remark that he could "punch himself in the face".
Following Germany's thrashing, Klopp said: "I've already found the most hated word of the year: 'Still'. I could have punched myself in the face for that, but it was already too late and I was on TV. It just slipped out so casually, and has absolutely no relevance. What I've realised is, I'll be 59 on Tuesday and I'm still an idiot."
Klopp has made clear he is firmly in Nagelsmann's corner, telling him: "We are completely on your side, whatever you do with this. Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here."
Nagelsmann's Response
Klopp's remarks were subsequently put to Nagelsmann at a recent press conference, where a Sport Bild journalist pressed the Germany head coach for his thoughts. "I'm surprised that the request is coming from you," Nagelsmann said. He then turned the tables on the reporter, asking what they made of Klopp's comments, to which the journalist replied: "A little prickly." Bringing the exchange to a close, Nagelsmann responded: "Good. Then. Next question."
Klopp departed his position as Liverpool manager in 2024 and has since taken up the role of head of global football at Red Bull, though he has regularly been touted as a candidate for a return to the dugout. During his time at Anfield, he guided the Reds to two Champions League titles as well as the Premier League trophy in 2020.
