Jurgen Klopp makes awkward grovelling apology to Julian Nagelsmann: ‘Apparently I’m stupid’

Jurgen Klopp’s role as a World Cup pundit is already getting him in trouble, particularly with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Klopp has long been rumoured to replace Nagelsmann with the national team, so every word he says about the fellow Red Bull man is under the microscope.

Klopp and his fellow TV pundit, Thomas Muller, have already had plenty of heat for their criticism of Nagelsmann and the team, seen as overly negative when the country is on a high.

How Klopp angered Nagelsmann

So when Klopp made a comment about Nagelsmann ‘still’ picking the team, it was quickly jumped on by the media as the ex-Liverpool boss saying he wants to be the one doing it soon.

Nagelsmann was asked about the comment ahead of facing Curacao and told a reporter: “I’m surprised that the question is coming from you.”

He turned it on the reporter, who called Klopp ‘spikey’, to which Nagelsmann said: “Good. Then next question.”

There was more to come, though, as Nagelsmann was put face-to-face with his potential successor after a 7-1 opening win over Curacao.

Klopp apologises to Nagelsmann

A rather awkard interview was hijacked at the end by Klopp who said: “Here’s one more thing we need to say…

“Because we’ve talked so much about the team, Thomas and I also feel a certain responsibility. Unofficially, of course, but we’re on your side.

“I’ve already found my “un-word of the year”—it’s the word “noch” (still).

“I could have slapped myself for saying it, but it was too late because I was already on television.

“It just slipped out casually and actually had no significance whatsoever. Hopefully everyone out there understands what I’ve realised.

“The day after tomorrow I’ll turn 59, and I’m apparently still stupid. But it simply happened. We are completely on your side.

“Whatever you do with it, nothing coming from us is intended to disrupt the process here.”

Nagelsmann stood awkwardly throughout, grinning and looking away, and didn’t appear to accept the apology, leaving the pitch side stage with some handshakes and no further comments.