Why did Jurgen Klopp call himself an 'idiot' in apology to Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann at 2026 FIFA World Cup? - 'Could have punched myself'
By Ben Morse
Published 15/06/2026 at 14:43 GMT+1
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Jurgen Klopp apologised to Julian Nagelsmann after sparking a controversy about the Germany manager's future during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Speaking a few days prior to Germany's opening game against Curacao, Klopp had questioned Nagelsmann's team selection, most notably the inclusion of Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.
The former Liverpool manager concluded by saying: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team. Still."
The repetition of the word 'still' sparked a debate back in Germany over whether Klopp was questioning Nagelsmann's future in the role, especially as Klopp has often been linked to the job himself.
Klopp's comments drew criticism from many back home, including from Germany legend Lothar Matthaus who said Klopp "doesn't exactly make Nagelsmann's job any easier."
"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," Matthaus added.
"Such interference isn't well received, especially among fellow coaches."
And after Germany had emphatically defeated Curacao 7-1 to begin their World Cup campaign in the perfect fashion, Klopp apologised directly to Nagelsmann after the game.
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"I’ve already found the most hated word of the year: 'Still,'" Klopp said on the post-match coverage on MagentaTV.
"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."
Klopp concluded Nagelsmann's live interview by again addressing his comments.
"There's one more thing I have to say… we still need to make time for this," the 58-year-old said. "We're also informally part of the team, we're absolutely on your side.
"What I've realised is: I’ll be 59 the day after tomorrow, and I'm still an idiot. We are completely on your side, whatever you do. Nothing was intended to come of it to disrupt the process here."
Musiala was on the scoresheet in Germany's thumping win over Curacao, finishing from a tight angle for the four-time World Cup winners fourth goal of the game in Houston.
Arsenal's Kai Havertz netted twice, with Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also scoring.
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Arguably the moment of the match, though, came in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia scored Curacao's first ever goal at the World Cup, with the smallest nation at the tournament making their global debut.
Next up in Group E, Germany will face Cote d'Ivoire before concluding the group stage against Ecuador.
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Klopp has been out of management since leaving Liverpool in 2024 and has been working as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull recently.
The German has been linked to the national team managerial role since leaving Anfield, and recently had to rubbish rumours that he was set to become Real Madrid boss had Enrique Riquelme won the Real Madrid presidential elections.
"It’s annoying! Jurgen Klopp is happy in his role at Red Bull, and has no ambitions to work as a coach at a club," Klopp's agent, Marc Kosicke, said.
Riquelme went on to lose the election and Florentino Perez appointed Jose Mourinho as the new Real manager.
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