Jurgen Klopp apologises to Julian Nagelsmann live on-air for comment about Germany manager

Jurgen Klopp apologised to Julian Nagelsmann on live TV after a comment he made ahead of Germany's World Cup opener fuelled speculation about his future with the national team.

Germany made an emphatic start to their World Cup campaign as goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (2), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav sealed a 7-1 win over Curacao.

One of the big discussion points ahead of Sunday's game was whether Musiala would start for Germany after Klopp called on Julian Nagelsmann to leave him out in favour of Undav.

Lothar Matthaus was critical of Klopp's suggestion. "I was very surprised when I saw that Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Muller advised playing Deniz Undav instead of Jamal Musiala in the opening match," he told BILD.

"I accept their opinion, but I don’t want to let it stand. I feel it lacks sensitivity. Jurgen Klopp, of all people, should know better."

Klopp, who has been linked with the Germany job in recent times, also attracted unwanted attention when he used the word "still" when referring to Nagelsmann's role as national team manager.

Musiala scored for Germany in their 7-1 rout of Curacao. Image credit: Getty

He said: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team", a comment that led some to believe he was suggesting the former Bayern boss wouldn't be around for much longer if Germany struggle at the World Cup.

Such was the uproar, Nagelsmann was asked about Klopp's remarks before Germany's win over Curacao.

After the full-time whistle on Sunday, an apologetic Klopp took the opportunity to clarify his comments as he stood next to the national team manager.

Speaking in a post-match interview with Magenta TV, the former Liverpool boss said: "There's one more thing I have to say. We are also informally part of the team and we are absolutely on your side."

He added: "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 because I was on television. It just slipped out casually and it has absolutely no relevance."

Klopp then poked fun at himself, adding: "What I've realised is that I'll be 59 the day after tomorrow and I'm still an idiot. We are completely on your side. Nothing is intended to disrupt what is happening here."

Klopp apologises to Nagelsmann during post-match interview. Image credit: Magenta TV

Jurgen Klopp receives surprise proposal to return to management

After leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp was appointed Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.

In the role, the German has been working closely with Paris FC as the sports drink brand has an 11% ownership of the French club.

Paris FC finished 11th in Ligue 1 this season, a respectable finish considering it was their first campaign back in the French top flight following a 46-year hiatus.

However, the majority owners of the club, the Arnault family, are incredibly ambitious as they aim to deliver a first-ever piece of silverware to the club and to have them play in the Champions League.

In fact, Arnault spoke to AFTER FOOT about his desire to entice Klopp back to football management.

Arnault said: “Who doesn’t dream of having Jurgen? Of course, one day, we dream of seeing him. It won’t be in the short term because he doesn’t want to return to the bench immediately, but maybe in three, four or five years.

“If we qualify for the Champions League, I would love to convince him to come and coach our team," he added.