Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJurgen Klopp has apologised to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann for a controversial comment made during his punditry for the World Cup 2026 opener. Klopp, acting as a pundit, remarked that "luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still," which sparked debate due to the perceived doubt it cast on Nagelsmann's future. The comment was made during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao in their Group E match, where the minnows initially equalised before the heavy rout. During an interview with Nagelsmann, Klopp expressed regret, stating he "could have punched myself in the face" and called himself an "idiot" for the slip-up, assuring full support for the team. Germany, under pressure after group stage exits in the last two World Cups, began their campaign strongly and will next face Ivory Coast on 20 June. In fullJurgen Klopp apologises to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann over controversial comment: ‘I’m still an idiot’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Klopp says ‘he could have punched himself’ as he says sorry over Nagelsmann comment
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJurgen Klopp has apologised to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann for a controversial comment made during his punditry for the World Cup 2026 opener. Klopp, acting as a pundit, remarked that "luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still," which sparked debate due to the perceived doubt it cast on Nagelsmann's future. The comment was made during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao in their Group E match, where the minnows initially equalised before the heavy rout. During an interview with Nagelsmann, Klopp expressed regret, stating he "could have punched myself in the face" and called himself an "idiot" for the slip-up, assuring full support for the team. Germany, under pressure after group stage exits in the last two World Cups, began their campaign strongly and will next face Ivory Coast on 20 June. In fullJurgen Klopp apologises to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann over controversial comment: ‘I’m still an idiot’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
