“Today is also a good day for Julian”: Jürgen Klopp addresses Nagelsmann comments during unveiling
New Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has again addressed his ill-judged TV comment regarding predecessor Julian Nagelsmann.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Tim.Reckmann
During his official unveiling as Germany head coach in Frankfurt on Friday, Jürgen Klopp revisited his past comments regarding predecessor Julian Nagelsmann. The 59-year-old was keen to put the matter to rest after a televised remark during the World Cup caused significant speculation.
"I have total respect for Julian Nagelsmann. The day with the 'still' was one of the worse days of my life. I could happily have done without that," Klopp stated.
Klopp confirmed that he had reached out to apologize, and the gesture was accepted by Nagelsmann. The new Germany boss insisted there is no bad blood between them. "Today is probably also a good day for Julian that this chapter is now closed and he can move on. He will have a great many opportunities to do that, I am absolutely sure of that," he added.
The controversy stemmed from Klopp's role as a TV pundit for MagentaTV. While discussing the team lineup, he had joked: "Luckily Julian Nagelsmann picks the team - still. Still." The comment was widely criticized as a flippant remark questioning the coach's security, forcing Klopp to clarify his support for the staff during the broadcast.