Jurgen Klopp sparks World Cup controversy with ex-Liverpool boss facing backlash
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Jurgen Klopp raised a few eyebrows with his controversial comments at the World Cup. 15:15, Sun, Jun 14, 2026 Updated: 15:19, Sun, Jun 14, 2026 Jurgen Klopp has sparked a backlash with his comments at the World Cup (Image: MAGENTA TV)Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has hit back at remarks made by Jurgen Klopp, with the former Liverpool boss also drawing criticism from a fellow pundit.
The 58-year-old departed his post as Liverpool manager in 2024 and has since taken up the position of head of global football at Red Bull, though he has repeatedly been touted for a return to the dugout.Klopp is working for German broadcaster Magenta TV, and during Germany's World Cup opener against Curacao on Sunday evening in Houston, the subject of Nagelsmann's long-term future arose. Read our Privacy PolicyThese remarks were put directly to Nagelsmann at a subsequent press conference, where a Sport Bild reporter pressed the Germany boss for his reaction."I'm surprised that the request is coming from you," Nagelsmann said.The Germany manager then turned the tables on the reporter, asking what they made of Klopp's comments, to which the Sport Bild journalist responded: "A little prickly."Bringing the exchange to a close, Nagelsmann coolly replied: "Good.
Next question."Klopp, who was accompanied by Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, also recently weighed in on Germany's team selection for their opener against Curacao, arguing why Stuttgart star Deniz Undav deserved the nod ahead of Bayern playmaker Jamal Musiala."We've brought Undav into the game because he can play in the number 10 role," Klopp recently said on Magenta TV.His comments drew a sharp response from German football legend Lothar Matthaus, who took particular issue with Klopp's suggestions regarding the national team's potential line-up.Julian Nagelsmann issued a prickly response to Klopp's comments (Image: Getty)"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," Matthaus told Sport Bild."I accept their opinion, but I don't want to let it stand. That's why he needs to be given trust and playing time."Matthaus added: "Klopp's comments aren't exactly making 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."Such interference isn't well received, especially among fellow coaches."