Jurgen Klopp sparked a row in the German camp ahead of the World Cup when he used the word 'still' on live TV when referring to Julian Nagelsmann as Germany manager, leading to a grovelling apology
Jeremy Cross
00:22, 15 Jun 2026Updated 00:29, 15 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp has apologized after comments on Julian Nagelsman
Jurgen Klopp has apologized after comments on Julian Nagelsman(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp has issued an apology to Julian Nagelsmann after questioning his longevity as Germany manager. Klopp ignited controversy within the German set-up before their World Cup campaign with some contentious remarks on live television.
The ex-Liverpool boss is currently serving as a principal pundit for Magenta TV. He suggested Nagelsmann should leave out Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala for the opening fixture against Curacao.
However, it was a single word he used during a conversation with fellow pundit Thomas Müller that has prompted Klopp to make a contrite apology. Klopp employed the word "still" when discussing Nagelsmann's position as national team manager.
He said: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team", implying his tenure might be short-lived, depending on Germany's tournament performance.
Klopp has been heavily touted as Nagelsmann's potential successor. For now, though, he's been forced to swallow his pride, reports the Mirror.
And he acknowledges feeling so foolish about the comment that he could "punch himself in the face". Following Germany's seven-goal demolition of Curacao, Klopp said: "I've already found 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 so casually, and has absolutely no relevance.
"What I've realised is, I'll be 59 on Tuesday and I'm still an idiot."
Klopp has made clear he stands firmly behind Nagelsmann, telling him: "We are completely on your side, whatever you do with this. Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here."
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann during a friendly match against Ghana in March
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann during a friendly match against Ghana in March
Nagelsmann was subsequently confronted with Klopp's remarks during a press conference, when a Sport Bild journalist pressed the Germany head coach for his reaction. "I'm surprised that the request is coming from you," Nagelsmann responded.
He then turned the tables on the reporter, asking for their own assessment of Klopp's words, to which the journalist replied: "A little prickly."
Article continues below
Bringing the exchange to a close, Nagelsmann coolly retorted: "Good. Then. Next question."
Klopp departed his post as Liverpool manager in 2024 and has since assumed the position of head of global football at Red Bull, though speculation surrounding a return to the dugout has persisted. During his time at Anfield, he claimed the Champions League on two occasions and guided the Reds to Premier League glory in 2020.
The German tactician revealed he was "tingling" with excitement at the thought of returning to the touchline for the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.