Klopp apologises to Nagelsmann after 'still' remark sparks controversy at World Cup

Jurgen Klopp issued a live on-air apology to Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann after a throwaway remark during Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curacao in Houston sparked a fierce debate back home about the national team coach’s job security.

Working as a pundit for Magenta TV at the World Cup 2026 Group E opener, Klopp said: “Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still.” The word “still” — implying Nagelsmann’s position might not be permanent — immediately drew criticism, with the perceived slight amplified by the fact that Curacao had briefly equalised before Germany’s rout unfolded.

Former Germany and Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller, also on the broadcast, tried to lighten the mood, laughing and telling Klopp: “Kloppo, we are still in June. You are already in September.”

After the final whistle, Klopp sought out Nagelsmann and addressed the comment directly. “I’ve already discovered the most hated word of the year: still,” he said. “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 casually, and has absolutely no relevance. What I’ve realised is, I’ll be 59 on Tuesday and I’m still an idiot.”

Klopp also made clear where his loyalties lie during the tournament. “We’re also informally part of the team, we’re absolutely on your side,” he told Nagelsmann. “Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here.”

The episode carries extra weight given Klopp’s standing in German football. The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager — who won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Anfield — is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest coaches and has long been discussed as a potential future Germany manager. He has not returned to club management since leaving Liverpool in 2024 and currently serves as head of Global Soccer at Red Bull.

Germany arrive at this World Cup under significant pressure after back-to-back group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. The emphatic opening win puts them top of Group E heading into a fixture against Ivory Coast on 20 June, followed by a final group match against Ecuador five days later.