Jurgen Klopp has apologised to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann after a comment over his starting line-up in the World Cup 2026 opener against Curacao sparked controversy.
Germany ran out 7-1 winners in the Group E clash, but the former Liverpool manager’s remark provoked widespread debate back home, with the minnows equalising before the heavy rout unfolded.
Seen as a possible successor to Nagelsmann, Klopp, featuring on Magenta TV as a pundit, said in Houston: “luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still.”
Joining Klopp on the broadcast was former Germany and Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller, who laughed and replied: “Kloppo, we are still in June. You are already in September.”
The controversy and perceived disrespect to some surrounds the word “still” due to the doubt cast over Nagelsmann’s future, dependent on the run at the World Cup.
But after a dominant win for Germany, Klopp apologised while interviewing the coach: “We’re also informally part of the team, we’re absolutely on your side.
“I’ve already discovered 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 casually, and has absolutely no relevance.
“What I’ve realised is, I’ll be 59 on Tuesday and I’m still an idiot.”
Klopp, who won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Anfield, is seen as one of Germany’s most outstanding coaches.
But Klopp is yet to return to the dugout since his Anfield exit in 2024 and is currently head of Global Soccer at Red Bull.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager said: “We are completely on your side, whatever you do with this,” Klopp told Nagelsmann, who quietly looked at him. “Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here.”
Germany are under pressure at this World Cup after being eliminated in the group stage in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, but a heavy win to start Group E as leaders provides a foundation to launch a bid for a fifth star.
Next up Germany play Ivory Coast on 20 June before a final group match against Ecuador five days later.
