Jurgen Klopp has apologised to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann – saying he could have “punched himself in the face” over one badly-chosen word.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp was slammed for making team selection suggestions ahead of Germany’s opener against Curacao and adding: “Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team.”
But TV pundit Klopp, speaking to Nagelsmann in person after the 7-1 win over the Caribbean minnows, said sorry for implying with the word “still” (“noch” in German) that Nagelsmann’s position was in doubt – with many tipping Klopp himself to replace him.
The ex-Kop boss said: “I’ve already found the most hated word of the year: ‘Still’.
“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 so casually and has absolutely no relevance.”
Klopp was not helped by fellow pundit Thomas Muller in the initial broadcast on MagentaTV when they urged Nagelsmann to drop Jamal Musiala.
Muller joked that Klopp had forgotten it was only June and not September – by which time some reckon Klopp will have replaced Nagelsmann as Germany head coach.
The former Liverpool boss blamed his age – he turns 59 on Tuesday – for his misjudged comments.
After discussing the win over Curacao with Nagelsmann, Klopp said: “There’s one more thing I have to say…we still need to make time for this.
“We’re also informally part of the team, we’re absolutely on your side.
“What I’ve realized is: I’ll be 59 the day after tomorrow and I’m still an idiot.
“We are completely on your side, whatever you do.
“Nothing was intended to come of it to disrupt the process here.”
Nagelsmann suggested there were no hard feelings by laughing and high-fiving Klopp and Muller after the discussion finished.
The ex-Liverpool manager has moved quickly to diffuse what could have been an awkward distraction from Germany’s bid to win the tournament.
Former national team captain Lothar Matthaus was among those to criticise Klopp, now a senior figure in Red Bull’s football set-up, for being too free with his opinions.
Many in Germany shared Matthaus’ concerns, believing his and Muller’s interaction in the build-up to the Curacao game was disrespectful.
