Things move fast in football.
Just three weeks ago, German football federation [DFB] sporting director Rudi Voller was giving Jurgen Klopp a dressing down.
Now, he’s going to have to make way for him.
Sport1 claim that the legendary striker is considering submitting his resignation after Julian Nagelsmann’s departure.
World Cup winner Voller has worked with the DFB regularly since retiring and is seen as a fan favourite and a father figure for coaches.
He filled in the role above Nagelsmann, which put his relationship with Klopp to the test at the start of the tournament.
Klopp got himself in huge trouble with a comment about Nagelsmann ‘still’ being the Germany coach, suggesting he may be fired or even replaced by Klopp himself.
The second eventuality looks certain to happen, with Klopp confirming DFB talks after Germany’s last 32 World Cup exit against Paraguay.
Voller’s Public Dressing Down of Klopp and Muller
However, at the time of his ‘still’ comment, Klopp was enemy number one at the DFB.
During a pre-match interview with Voller, he was given a dressing down, along with fellow pundit Thomas Muller.
The conversation turned to what Muller will do in retirement, and Voller said: “Jurgen can also give him a tip. And I mean that seriously.
“With you guys, being serious is a bit more difficult, you’re more responsible for the comedy.”
Then turning on Muller, he added: “Thomas, you could get a coaching license to understand a bit more. We all feel like we know everything.
“I believe that getting a coaching license will help, no matter what you do later. And Jurgen is a wonderful example with the fantastic career he’s had.”
Voller finished by saying: “Perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to sit down again and discuss a few fundamental things.
“That would be quite good, I think.”
Once Voller left, Klopp awkwardly said with a smile: “He said we’re responsible for the comedy!”
Muller then tried to play down any tension, adding: “You hear what you want to hear.
“He is responsible for protecting the structure – I think it’s good that he’s getting involved.
“Who can blame us? There’s always a bit of banter involved. And sometimes something might slip out that could cause populist waves if someone wants to use it in a populist way. But we don’t do that, others do.
“We won’t let ourselves be bent out of shape and we’ll be careful what we say. Everyone needs to know that we stand fully behind the team. But we also want to spread some cheer.”
Klopp’s Awkward Apology to Nagelsmann
Klopp also staged a public apology to Nagelsmann for his ‘still’ comment.
Speaking face-to-face, he 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 stayed silent throughout the apology in awkward scenes, and it now appears for him and Voller that Klopp is the real boss…
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