Klopp apologises for Nagelsmann joke during World Cup

Germany opened their World Cup campaign with a 7‑1 win over Curacao, but the match was eclipsed when Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer Jurgen Klopp joked that Julian Nagelsmann was picking the team, adding the word “still” while discussing the starting XI.

Thomas Muller laughed, replying “Kloppo, we are still in June. You are already in September.” The banter was received with laughter on the live broadcast.

Former international Stefan Effenberg condemned the remark, saying “That’s not right; he’s speaking to millions of viewers. And on top of that, he ended up bursting out laughing. A comment like that, you can make it over a beer in the pub, but certainly not in front of millions of viewers. It’s unacceptable.” He argued the comment was inappropriate for a televised audience.

Julian Nagelsmann chose to downplay the incident, stating “I did not expect an apology from Jurgen Klopp for his comments and I also don’t listen to everybody talking about our team. That’s not possible.” His response kept the focus on the German squad’s performance.

Klopp later issued an apology, explaining “We’re also informally part of the team, we’re absolutely on your side. I’ve already discovered 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 casually, and has absolutely no relevance. What I’ve realised is, I’ll be 59 on Tuesday and I’m still an idiot.” He added that “We are completely on your side, whatever you do with this. Nothing will come of it that is intended to disrupt the process here.”

Klopp explained that Red Bull’s Global Team acts in an advisory capacity and was involved in analysing the season. He praised Ole Werner for doing a fantastic job and leading RB Leipzig to Champions League qualification. Klopp added that the club must also look forward, prompting the recent managerial change.

The incident underscored that both Klopp and Nagelsmann appear far more interested in football than in feeding headlines, despite media speculation.