Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has gone against the grain on a controversial World Cup rule which fans don't like, suggesting it is a better experience inside the stadium
20:48, 24 Jun 2026
Jurgen Klopp is interviewed in the US.
Jurgen Klopp is interviewed in the US.(Image: Facebook // BBC Sport)
Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp says he would have liked the controversial World Cup water breaks when he was a coach — surprisingly coming out in favor of them in the US.
The hydration breaks appear to have been put in to allow television companies to go to commercials midway through each half, with Virgil van Dijk among the players to suggest that they are not always needed.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed that they are simply there for the well-being of the players, but in some circumstances, where the temperatures are lower, they should not be required.
When the momentum in a game is altered by the delay, the course of a match can be changed, and most fans are keen for hydration breaks not to interrupt the flow.
Klopp, though, believes that they can be beneficial — and useful for managers on the touchline to get their messages across during the game and make tactical alterations.
"It's really hot and it's good for the players," Klopp said. "Is it good for the coaches? Yeah, I would have loved it. Maybe it's a little bit too much right now.
Jurgen Klopp is working as a pundit at the World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp is working as a pundit at the World Cup.(Image: Pat Isaacs/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"It's definitely too long because for drinking, you don't need two and a half minutes or whatever.
"But that's the thing. It's got its use and when you are in the stadium, it's OK because you get a little bit of a show — in Dallas with the cheerleaders, which I enjoyed on the big screen.
"It's completely fine but I understand when you sit at home and then the commercials start... but being my age, it is a welcome break to go to the toilet!"
Klopp also spoke about England head coach Thomas Tuchel after his side drew 0-0 with Ghana in a dire game
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"Thomas Tuchel is an outstanding coach, but sometimes outstanding coaches have to draw," Klopp said.
"Crazy, yeah? It's crazy," he added. "Sometimes you don't score. Sometimes you are unlucky and all these kinds of things. It cannot change my mind (about Tuchel). He is exceptional.
"The first game was super. It was really good; tight. Maybe tighter than everybody wanted, but they won it. I couldn't watch (England vs Ghana) but seeing the result, I know how the British media are. So stay calm."
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Klopp also played down suggestions that he could return to coaching in a casual chat with reporters. A few days ago, he met Lionel Messi and was given Alexis Mac Allister's jersey after working as a pundit for Argentina's win over Austria.