Jurgen Klopp is preparing for another switch of duties this summer as the ex-Liverpool boss comes clean about one of his former players
Jurgen Klopp looks on at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp is looking forward to one reunion this summer after a career move "changed the perspective"(Image: PETER POWELL, AFP via Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking forward to working alongside one of his former players at this summer's World Cup. The Anfield great will be in the United States, Mexico and Canada for World Cup 2026 after accepting a punditry position in his native Germany.
This summer will mark two years since Klopp closed the book on his iconic chapter in charge of the Reds. It wasn't long after that he accepted a role as Red Bull's Head of Global Football but he'll take on a new challenge as a pundit for MagentaTV this summer.
And he's looking forward to linking up with one of his old charges, Mats Hummels, in the position. Hummels was an integral member and leader figure in the Borussia Dortmund teams that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Klopp back in 2011 and 2012.
The recently retired defender will be joining Klopp and former Germany team-mate Thomas Muller in the World Cup 2026 hot seat. And Klopp commented on how the new dynamic between the pair has "changed the perspective" somewhat.
"So many [of my] former players are part of the World Cup, which is really, really nice," he told BBC Sport when asked whom he thinks will have a big tournament in North America. "And to see how time flies.
Jurgen Klopp and Mats Hummels on court prior to the NBA Match between Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at Uber Arena.
Klopp and former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels led some iconic teams at the Westfalenstadion(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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"Another former player of mine will be a co-pundit of mine, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller as well, but Mats Hummels was my former player. So, all of a sudden, things changed the perspective."
Hummels, 37, hung his boots up last year following a one-year spell at Roma, the only season of his career spent outside Germany. However, he returned to Dortmund for a cameo farewell in a friendly against Juventus.
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He and Klopp achieved wonders together at the Westfalenstadion, long before the tactician became the legend fans know today. In a way, Liverpool fans may feel some gratitude to Hummels for playing such a significant role in the successes that eventually took one of the Reds' most iconic managers to Anfield.
Klopp painted a fond picture ahead of Scotland's group-stage clash against Brazil at the World Cup. Andy Robertson and Alisson will collide during that fixture, which could take place in the same summer that both players leave the club.
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He also name dropped Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and titleholder Alexis Mac Allister as players he hopes to see have fine tournaments. However, it was one Liverpool player he didn't have the pleasure of working with who was mentioned first above all else.
"I hope [Florian] Wirtz will have a fantastic, fantastic World Cup," he said. "I think he has everything you need to be a standout player.
"I don't want to put any pressure on the boy. I really think he showed already how good he can be in a difficult season."
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