Jurgen Klopp hits back over controversial World Cup claim with 'happy' comment

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesJurgen KloppFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has come under fire for recent comments about the Germany national team, and has responded in the World Cup opener with CuracaoJurgen Klopp is on punditry duty for Germany's World Cup campaign(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images))Former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has clarified that he wasn't criticizing Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann with recent comments made on punditry duty, stating that he wants the side to do well in the World Cup this summer.The 58-year-old has taken up a job as a pundit for the competition, while he continues to take a break from management and take on new challenges elsewhere. Klopp has previously been linked with the German national team job, but continued in post at Liverpool until 2024, where he then took on a job as Red Bull Group's head of global soccer.While he won't be managing at the World Cup, the former head coach has taken up a job in punditry for German TV outlet Magenta over the summer, alongside ex-Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.It hasn't taken long for the pair to get in some trouble on duty, as Klopp was quoted as saying: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now," seemingly joking at the suggestion that he could one day pick the team.That was off the back of Klopp stating that he would play Deniz Undav over Jamal Musiala for the national team's opener against Curacao.There was controversy surrounding the statement, as Lothar Matthaus slammed Klopp for his comments, while Nagelsmann was seemingly prickly in his press conference when quizzed on the comments.Jurgen Klopp has been in controversy surrounding Germany's World Cup campaign(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images))Klopp has responded on Magenta TV ahead of Germany's match with Curacao, when he said: "The discussion we started when it came to the starting lineup wasn't about the squad.

We're talking about the squad and the options."The 58-year-old was seemingly trying to calm down suggestions that he was criticizing Nagelsmann, while he added: "I'm more than happy with the starting XI. I simply hope the lads develop a good feel for the tournament."In the end, the Germany national team head coach opted for Musiala over Undav, as he looked to get his side off to an ideal start in their World Cup group.The Germans went on to defeat Curacao 7-1.DFB Team has failed to get out of the group stage in the previous two World Cup campaigns, struggling since its victory in the tournament back in 2014.This summer provides a perfect opportunity to put that right, with a young head coach in Nagelsmann who has been in position for a few years, as well as a group that could spring a surprise or two in the tournament.That said, the comments from Klopp are always likely to be in the news in Germany, due to the weight his comments hold in German football.It remains to be seen how Germany may do, but regardless of his comments, it's clear that he will be hoping they can go all the way this summer.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCFIFA World CupJurgen Klopp