Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has apologized to 38-year-old Nagelsmann after making controversial comments about him on German TV broadcasting the World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp apologizes to Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann (Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Manager Jurgen Klopp has apologized to Julian Nagelsmann for casting doubt on his future as Germany’s national team manager. Klopp has caused an uproar at Germany’s World Cup camp after making controversial comments on live TV.
The former Liverpool manager works as one of Magenta TV’s main pundits. He called on Nagelsmann to play Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala in the opening game against Curaçao.
But it was a word he used in an exchange with fellow pundit Thomas Muller, which led to Klopp’s cringing apology. Manager Klopp used the word “not yet” regarding Nagelsmann’s appointment as national team manager.
“Fortunately, Julian Nagelsmann is still choosing his team,” he said, as if to suggest that depending on Germany’s form in the tournament it might not last long.
Klopp is widely rumored to be the next German manager to replace Nagelsmann. But in the meantime, he continued to eat humble pies.
And he admitted that he felt so stupid to say it that he might “punch himself in the face.” “I’ve already found the most hated word of the year: ‘Still’,” Klopp said after Germany scored seven goals against Curacao.
“I could have punched myself in the face for that, but it was already too late and I was on TV. It just slipped in very casually and has no relevance at all.
“What I realized is that I’ll be 59 on Tuesday and I’m still an idiot.”
Jurgen Nagelsmann’s Germany won 7-1 in their first match of the 2026 World Cup.
Klopp insisted he had full support for Nagelsmann, telling him: “We are completely on your side. Whatever you do in this matter, nothing will happen that will disrupt the process here.”
Kloppe’s words were directed at Nagelsmann himself at a recent press conference, where Sport Bild reporter asked the Germany coach for a response. “I am surprised by your request,” Nagelsmann said. Afterwards, when asked by a reporter what he thought about Klopp’s remarks, the reporter replied, “It stings me a bit.”
At the end of the discussion, Nagelsmann replied, “Okay, next question.”
Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024 and has since taken on the role as Red Bull’s global head of football, but has been frequently linked with a return to management. He won the Champions League twice with Liverpool and led the Reds to the Premier League title in 2020.
Klopp said he was “tingling” excited at the prospect of being back pitchside at the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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