Julian Nagelsmann has proved nothing – and despite his apology, Jurgen Klopp knows it. Klopp made a grovelling apology to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann but continues to stand behind him like a grim reaper.
Klopp's Apology and the Ongoing Tension
Jurgen Klopp apologised for his comments directed at Julian Nagelsmann. The two have not been aligned at this World Cup. Before a ball was even kicked, it had kicked off in the German camp thanks to the former Liverpool manager Klopp. In his role as a pundit with Magenta TV, Klopp is earning his sizeable fee. He has also backed himself into a corner at the same time.
Klopp was forced to reconsider his decision to suggest Nagelsmann might not be the national team manager for too much longer. He admitted his crude remarks had left him wanting to punch himself in the face. Apologising to Nagelsmann on live television was an embarrassing show of perspective from Klopp. While Nagelsmann was doing his best to disguise the feeling of smugness he must have been feeling inside. Jamal Musiala, whom Klopp had demanded be dropped, scored in a thumping win.
Germany's Win Over Curacao: Meaningless?
The critics were off Nagelsmann's back – for now at least. While the bloke most people have tipped to replace him as the next German manager had been left choking on a large portion of humble pie. But Nagelsmann needs to share Klopp's indulgence in a dose of perspective as well. Because thrashing minnows Curacao means nothing. It is true Germany looked professional, slick and composed. Florian Wirtz looked like the footballer he used to be, before Liverpool ruined him. Musiala was a constant threat, while Arsenal's Kai Havertz produced some subtle finishing. It was all effective and efficient. Typical Germans, basically.
What Is Success for Germany Now?
But here is the problem. Unlike times gone by, no one seems to know what a typical German team looks like. Nagelsmann's side cannot be judged on a cruise through a team from a small Caribbean island. But when can they be judged? The fascinating aspect of this Nagelsmann side is that no one, including the German FA, is sure what success looks like. The standards used to be so high that winning a World Cup was expected. It has happened four times before. While losing in a semi final or final made that team a bad one. How times have changed. In a shameless reminder of just how much, Germany have replaced England as the laughing stock of international football. While England reached a World Cup semi final and quarter final, Germany failed to get out of the group stages.
Nagelsmann's Future and Klopp's Shadow
Nagelsmann is hoping to ease the pressure on him with a deep run at the World Cup. What goes around, comes around. But what is progress here in North America? Would reaching the quarter finals be enough to save Nagelsmann? What is acceptable for a nation which continues to compare itself to France, Spain and, dare we say it, England? Remaining humble has proved to be a quality England failed to possess down the decades. Until Gareth Southgate took charge. And now the Germans find themselves in the same position. Sometimes realism needs to take precedent over optimism. Reaching the last eight might well be the best Germany can hope for. A fair reflection of the team Nagelsmann has at his disposal. But then again it might not be – with Klopp continuing to hover in the background.
