Deniz Undav was left on the Germany bench for the third straight game despite scoring three World Cup goals, as Jurgen Klopp's suggestion was shut down by Julian Nagelsmann
21:04, 25 Jun 2026
Julian Nagelsmann ignored Jurgen Klopp's German national team suggestion for the third game in a row
Julian Nagelsmann ignored Jurgen Klopp's German national team suggestion for the third game in a row(Image: Getty Images)
German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann decided to stick with the majority of his starting lineup for Wednesday's World Cup game against Ecuador, despite Jurgen Klopp's campaign to see Deniz Undav rewarded with a starting spot.
Germany has already qualified for the knockout rounds as Group E winners, though they had Undav to thank for scoring two goals from the bench in a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast. Klopp suggested at the start of the World Cup that Undav should be given a chance, but faced backlash in Germany.
Klopp's main argument was Jamal Musiala's lack of game time, while also alluding to Undav's impressive season. Klopp was called out by the legendary Lothar Matthaus, but despite being proven right, Nagelsmann has once again stuck by Kai Havertz.
Wednesday's Group E finale means nothing for Germany, other than continuing momentum at the World Cup. Germany will play its Round of 32 game in Boston on Monday, but Ecuador must win at New York/ New Jersey Stadium to have a chance of progressing.
While some nations may opt to rotate their rosters, Nagelsmann made it clear in his pregame press conference that his would remain largely unchanged. Despite Undav's three goals so far, he was named on the bench as Havertz was selected to start.
"If it weren't okay (starting on the bench), I wouldn't be here at this press conference," Undav said before facing Ecuador. "I will try to give my best input, whether I'm in the starting lineup or later.
Deniz Undav has been Germany's main offensive star at the FIFA World Cup
Deniz Undav has been Germany's main offensive star at the FIFA World Cup(Image: Indrawan Kumala/NurPhoto)
"I joined from the bench twice, and we won the game, and I'm very happy about that... the most important thing is we win the match."
However, Klopp argued before the group opener against Curacao that Undav should have started ahead of Musiala rather than Havertz. Klopp was concerned about Musiala's lack of game time, as he only returned in April after back-to-back injury setbacks.
Klopp has embraced a media role at this World Cup for Magenta TV, working alongside fellow icon Thomas Muller. Klopp landed himself in hot water with Matthaus over his Undav suggestion.
Lothar Matthaus was unhappy with Klopp's roster request before the World Cup
Lothar Matthaus was unhappy with Klopp's roster request before the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
"[Klopp] should know better," he said. "To play a successful World Cup, Germany needs the quality of a Musiala. His comments don't exactly make Nagelsmann's job any easier.
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"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."
In response, Klopp said, "It has been brought to our attention that it was discussed a bit. I have been dealing with people in a leadership position for 25 years in my life. And it is important what you say, but much more important is what the person you are saying it to understands.
Klopp also insisted that there was no negativity attached to his statement. "And obviously, there were a few misunderstandings - we just have to clear that up. We were asked to make a line-up. We just wanted to show that there are other possibilities, which there must be."