Manager Jurgen Klopp made up claims suggesting he was considering either Thomas Tuchel or England after losing to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The former Liverpool manager branded the circulating quote “untrue” and insisted the report was completely fabricated.
Klopp, 59, is expected to leave Anfield in May 2024 to become Germany manager. During tournaments, he works as a pundit on German television, and his analysis often stirs controversy. However, he clarified that the comments attributed to him about Tuchel were fabricated. “Hello everyone. Actually just a quick message from the couch,” he wrote on social media.
“I got a lot of messages today about things that I found on social media saying that I said something about the England game and Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and things like that. That’s not true. I haven’t spoken to anyone for the last three, four, five days and the last time I’ll speak publicly again will be Sunday’s final. So, yeah, it’s a crazy world, a crazy world. But don’t believe everything you read. This time it’s definitely wrong.”
It was initially reported that Klopp had defended Tuchel, suggesting the task facing England was more complex. But the German legend, who won numerous accolades at Anfield, including a league title and the Champions League, insisted they were fabricated.
“People always talk after games as if coaching is easy. You just choose ‘attack’ or ‘defense’ and that’s it. It doesn’t work like this. Football is more complex. I’m not saying every decision is perfect, but you have to understand the logic behind it. Managing a match at that stage is never easy. And there’s a different reality. This Argentine team, the beliefs, the mentality – Sometimes you feel like there’s something special in a situation like this’ moment. ”
Tuchel is under increasing pressure to be sacked after just 18 months in charge and just weeks after receiving a contract extension until Euro 2028. Despite this, FA officials remain determined to retain the former Chelsea manager for the next major competition. England topped Group L, defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo, co-hosts Mexico and Norway to advance to the semi-finals. However, the Three Lions were defeated by the reigning world champions in Atlanta on Saturday.
England took the lead in the 55th minute with Anthony Gordon’s goal, before Argentina, fueled by Lionel Messi’s creativity, equalized through Enzo Fernandes. Substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in stoppage time to put England in a corner. Tuchel has been criticized for his tactical approach with 30 minutes left in the match, and there are reports that he may consider resigning. However, Tuchel insisted he would continue in his role after the World Cup third-place decider.
“First of all, the World Cup is not over. There are still games left that we are not really looking forward to, but there are still games to be played.” “Then we’ll keep going. I’ve got a contract until the Euros at home and I’m looking forward to that. Even now, it’s hard to think that far ahead.”
