Jurgen Klopp has been working as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta TV at the World Cup, but the former Liverpool manager’s comments have led to some criticism
Jurgen Klopp (right) speaking at the World Cup(Image: Magenta TV)
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has responded to comments made by Jurgen Klopp, with the former Liverpool boss also drawing criticism from a fellow television pundit. Klopp has taken on punditry duties for this summer’s World Cup, which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 58-year-old left 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 linked as a potential returnee to the dugout.
Klopp is currently working for German broadcaster Magenta TV, and during Germany’s World Cup opener against Curacao on Sunday night in Houston, the subject of Nagelsmann’s future was raised.
The former Liverpool manager is quoted as having said: “Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now.”
Those remarks were put directly to Nagelsmann at a subsequent press conference, where a Sport Bild journalist pressed the Germany boss for his reaction.
“I’m surprised that the request is coming from you,” Nagelsmann said. The Germany manager then turned the tables on the reporter, asking what they made of Klopp’s comments, to which the Sport Bild journalist replied: “A little prickly.”
Bringing the exchange to a close, Nagelsmann responded: “Good. Then. Next question.”
Klopp, who was joined in the studio by Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, also weighed in on Germany’s team selection for their opener against Curacao, arguing why Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav deserved the nod ahead of Bayern playmaker Jamal Musiala.
“We’ve brought Undav into the game because he can play in the number 10 role,” Klopp recently said on Magenta TV.
Jurgen Klopp has spoke about Germany’s World Cup opener against Curacao(Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from German football icon Lothar Matthaus, who took issue with Klopp’s comments regarding the national side’s potential line-up.
“I was very surprised when I saw that Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Muller advised playing Deniz Undav instead of Jamal Musiala in the opening match,” Matthaus told Sport Bild.
“I accept their opinion, but I don’t want to let it stand. I feel that lacks sensitivity. Jurgen Klopp, of all people, should know better.
“To have a successful World Cup, Germany needs the quality of a Musiala. That’s why he needs to be given trust and playing time.”
Matthaus added: “Klopp’s comments aren’t exactly making Nagelsmann’s job any easier. I’d like to see what Klopp would have said if an expert had advised him to bench one of his regular starters before an important Champions League match.
“Such interference isn’t well received, especially among fellow coaches.”
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