Klopp's punditry stirs Nagelsmann and Matthaus into open criticism at World Cup

Jurgen Klopp’s debut as a television pundit at the 2026 World Cup has sparked a public dispute with Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and former international Lothar Matthaus, after the ex-Liverpool boss made pointed remarks about the national side’s selection and Nagelsmann’s tenure during Germany’s opening match against Curacao in Houston.

Working for German broadcaster Magenta TV alongside Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, Klopp suggested Nagelsmann was “still picking the team — for now”, a comment that was put directly to the Germany manager at a subsequent press conference. Nagelsmann, visibly unimpressed, deflected the question back to the Sport Bild journalist who raised it, and when the reporter described Klopp’s words as “a little prickly”, the Germany boss replied simply: “Good. Then. Next question.”

Klopp also weighed in on Germany’s attacking selection, arguing that Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav deserved to start ahead of Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala in the number ten role. Those comments drew a more detailed rebuttal from Matthaus, one of German football’s most decorated figures.

“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. I feel that lacks sensitivity. Jurgen Klopp, of all people, should know better.”

Matthaus argued that Germany’s World Cup ambitions depend on Musiala being trusted and given consistent playing time, and questioned whether Klopp would have welcomed similar interference during his own managerial career. “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,” he said. “Such interference isn’t well received, especially among fellow coaches.”

Klopp left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season after nine years in charge and has since taken up the role of head of global football at Red Bull. He has been regularly linked with a return to club management, though no move has materialised. His punditry role at this summer’s tournament marks his most prominent public platform since departing Anfield.