Jurgen Klopp might have left Liverpool behind, but he's certainly not lost his ability to ruffle feathers. The former Reds boss has found himself at the centre of a brewing controversy after his punditry work for this summer's World Cup sparked a sharp response from Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Working as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta TV during the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Klopp made some pointed observations that have clearly struck a nerve. When discussing Germany's World Cup opener against Curacao in Houston, the conversation turned to Nagelsmann's future in charge of the national team.

Klopp's assessment was typically direct: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now." Those three little words at the end have caused quite the stir in German football circles.

When confronted with these comments during a press conference, Nagelsmann's response was ice-cold professionalism with a hint of irritation. A Sport Bild reporter pressed the Germany boss for his thoughts on Klopp's remarks, to which Nagelsmann replied: "I'm surprised that the request is coming from you." After the journalist described the comments as "a little prickly," Nagelsmann delivered his verdict with surgical precision: "Good. Then. Next question."

But Klopp's involvement in German football discourse didn't stop there. Working alongside Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, he's been offering his tactical insights on team selection, specifically suggesting that Stuttgart's Deniz Undav should start ahead of Bayern playmaker Jamal Musiala in the number 10 role.

"We've brought Undav into the game because he can play in the number 10 role," Klopp explained on Magenta TV. It's the kind of tactical analysis we've come to expect from someone who spent nearly a decade perfecting his craft at Anfield.

However, not everyone is impressed with Klopp's punditry contributions. German football legend Lothar Matthaus has come out swinging, taking particular exception to the former Liverpool manager's comments about team selection.

"I was very surprised when I saw that Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Muller advised playing Deniz Undav instead of Jamal Musiala in the opening match," Matthaus told Sport Bild. "I accept their opinion, but I don't want to let it stand. I feel that lacks sensitivity. Jurgen Klopp, of all people, should know better."

Matthaus didn't hold back in his criticism, making it clear he believes Klopp has overstepped the mark. "To have a successful World Cup, Germany needs the quality of a Musiala. That's why he needs to be given trust and playing time," he continued.

The 1990 World Cup winner then delivered what could be seen as the most cutting blow: "Klopp's comments aren't exactly making Nagelsmann's job any easier. I'd like to see what Klopp would have said if an expert had advised him to bench one of his regular starters before an important Champions League match. Such interference isn't well received, especially among fellow coaches."

It's a fair point from Matthaus. During his Liverpool tenure, Klopp was fiercely protective of his team selections and rarely welcomed outside tactical advice from pundits or former players. The German would have bristled at any suggestion that he should drop a key player based on television punditry.

What makes this situation particularly interesting is Klopp's current position in football. Having left Liverpool in 2024, he's since taken on the role as head of global football for Red Bull, though he continues to be linked with a return to management. His punditry work appears to be keeping him connected to the game whilst he considers his next move.

The irony isn't lost that Klopp, who spent years deflecting media speculation about his own tactical decisions, is now the one offering pointed observations about another manager's choices. The transition from touchline to television studio clearly comes with its own learning curve.

This controversy offers a fascinating glimpse into how former managers navigate their post-coaching careers and the delicate balance between offering insight and crossing professional boundaries. For someone who commanded such respect during his Liverpool years, these early bumps in his media career show that punditry presents its own unique challenges and potential pitfalls.