"I was surprised" – Kahn takes aim at Klopp over criticism of Kompany’s Bayern tactics and Nagelsmann remarks

Germany coach Jürgen Klopp recently made headlines when he questioned Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany’s tactics in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, including his defensive structure and Harry Kane’s role.

Germany legend and former Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn was surprised by the comments, which he felt were unusual for a national team coach.

“I first had to think about whether he was the national team coach or still a football pundit. What he said was a typical football pundit’s comment, one that could naturally also be interpreted as criticism of a club coach. I think Jürgen Klopp should be aware of that as well," Kahn told Sky Germany.

As Kahn points out, Klopp previously made headlines during the World Cup when, speaking as a pundit, he said that then Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was “still picking the team”, sparking questions about the 39-year-old’s job security.

Klopp later admitted that his comments were a mistake and apologised to Nagelsmann.

“He had already started doing that with what I considered a problematic comment about Julian Nagelsmann, which was supposedly made in the heat of the moment, when he was referred to as the outgoing Germany head coach,” Kahn said.

“I think this is also about collegiality among coaches. And I believe a national team coach, in particular, needs to be very careful about what he says. Because comments like these can, of course, lead to exactly what is happening now: us discussing his words. I was surprised by his comments, because that is not something you would normally expect from a national team coach.”