Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Sunday, June 14, 2026, 11:28 p.m. / Updated on Sunday, June 14, 2026, 11:28 p.m.
Germany started with a spectacular 7-1 against Curacao at the 2026 World Cup, but after the game the focus also shifted to Jurgen Klopp. The former Liverpool manager took the opportunity to publicly apologize to manager Julian Nagelsmann after the controversial pre-tournament statement.
Klopp, present at the World Cup as an analyst for the German station Magenta TV, has been criticized in recent days after a remark interpreted as an irony towards the Germany coach.
Jurgen Klopp: 'I'd like to punch myself in the face for saying that'
After Germany's emphatic victory with Curacao, Klopp returned to the subject and wanted to publicly clarify the situation, being present with the coach Julian Nagelsmann
“There's one more thing I have to say. We have to make time for that, too. We are, in a way, part of this team, and we're one hundred percent on your side.
I have already found the worst word of the year: “yet”. I wanted to punch myself in the face for saying that, but it was already too late and I was live. It just escaped me and has absolutely no relevance.
What I realized is that the day after tomorrow I turn 59 and I'm still an idiot. We are completely on your side, no matter what you do. Nothing I said was intended to disrupt the process here,” Klopp said.
Nagelsmann's reaction
The moment ended in a relaxed atmosphere. Nagelsmann received Klopp's explanations with a smile on his face, and the two exchanged a few jokes on the set.
The German coach seemed to treat the entire episode without resentment, in the context of which the “Mannschaft” started the final tournament perfectly and already leads in Group E after the categorical success with Curacao.
For Klopp, however, the message was clear: the controversial statement was not a criticism of Nagelsmann, and the former Liverpool manager felt the need to personally apologize to the Germany coach.
How it all started
Ahead of Germany's opener, Klopp commented on Jamal Musiala's situation and suggested the midfielder should be protected and groomed during the competition.
At the end of his intervention, the former Liverpool coach made a remark that caused many reactions:
“Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann makes the team…yet.”
The statement was considered by many as a veiled criticism of the selector. Lothar Matthaus reacted most harshly, saying that Klopp's statements were “insensitive” and that they were making Nagelsmann's job more difficult. The former Germany captain added that Klopp should have known better how such public interventions are perceived ahead of a final tournament.
