Klopp apologises after criticism over Nagelsmann remark

BERLIN: Former Germany internationals have criticised Jurgen Klopp after remarks he made about national team coach Julian Nagelsmann while working as a television pundit during the 2026 World Cup.

Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has been part of the broadcast coverage of the tournament alongside ex-Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Mueller. Ahead of Germany’s opening match against Curacao, Klopp questioned Nagelsmann’s starting line-up, saying he would have picked a different side and adding that luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still choosing the team -- for now.

Klopp left club management in 2024, but has repeatedly been linked with the Germany job. His comments drew stronger scrutiny after Germany went on to beat Curacao 7-1.

Lothar Matthaeus, Germany’s record appearance holder with 150 caps, said Klopp should have shown better judgement and that such remarks would not help Nagelsmann. He also said he would have liked to know how Klopp would have reacted if, before a major Champions League game, a pundit had suggested leaving one of his important players out.

Stefan Effenberg, who won the Champions League and made 35 appearances for Germany, also objected to the remarks and described them as out of bounds for a public broadcast.