'I am an idiot,' says Klopp after perceived dig at Germany's Nagelsmann

Juergen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has apologized to Germany's national team coach Julian Nagelsmann for a comment made about the team's lineup. The remark, delivered from the sidelines during Germany's 7-1 World Cup Group E opening win against Curacao on Sunday, sparked controversy back home.

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luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still.

Klopp, who has been frequently linked as a potential successor to Nagelsmann, stated on Magenta TV, "luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still." This use of the word "still" was perceived by many viewers in Germany as implying uncertainty about Nagelsmann's tenure, particularly following the team's dominant performance.

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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.

During a post-match interview with Nagelsmann, Klopp expressed his regret. "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," Klopp said. He further added, "What I’ve realised is, I’ll be 59 on Tuesday and I’m still an idiot."

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What I’ve realised is, I’ll be 59 on Tuesday and I’m still an idiot.

Klopp, a highly successful German club coach, currently holds the position of Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. Despite Nagelsmann taking over the national team coaching role in 2023, speculation about Klopp's potential return to German football management has persisted. He assured Nagelsmann, "We are completely on your side, whatever you do with this. Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here."

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We are completely on your side, whatever you do with this. Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here.