Jurgen Klopp makes Arsenal set-piece jibe after Germany knocked out of World Cup | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp bemoaned Germany’s luck after they were knocked out of the World Cup by Paraguay in a major shock during the round of 32.

Germany have failed to reach the last-16 in any of the past three tournaments, haven’t won a World Cup knockout game since the final in Rio de Janeiro in 2014.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, who at the age of 38 became the youngest coach in a World Cup knockout ⁠stage in 40 years, opted for an offensive line-up, giving ​his ⁠team's top scorer in the tournament, Deniz Undav, his first start.

The Germans thought they ⁠had snatched a winner in the 102nd minute when defender Jonathan Tah headed in a corner at the far post but after a ‌lengthy VAR review the goal ​was disallowed for a foul on the keeper.

They then ‌saw Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah fail ​to score from the spot before Jose Canale, after two misses by the South Americans, kept his composure to seal Paraguay’s win.

Germany were frustrated by Tah’s disallowed goal and Klopp agreed, telling MagentaTV: “If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions. They’ve scored 60 per cent of their goals that way. We [Germany] win the game when the ball goes in. So of course, this is brutal.”

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Germany look dejected after Jonathan Tah misses a penalty (PA)

Arsenal scored 25 set-piece goals last season in the Premier League, which was 35 per cent of their overall tally of 71. Mikel Arteta’s side were often accused of using overly aggressive tactics at corners, crowding the opponents’ six-yard box.

Mikel Arteta routinely rejected criticism of his team’s reliance on set-pieces, saying: “I am upset we haven’t scored more and that we have conceded [from set-pieces] as well. We want to be the best and most dominant team in every aspect of the game. That is the trajectory and the aim of this team.”

Klopp has drawn plenty of attention while working as pundit on German TV during the World Cup. He apologised to Nagelsmann after a comment over his starting line-up in their World Cup opener against Curacao sparked controversy.

Germany ran out 7-1 winners in the Group E clash, but the former Liverpool manager’s remark provoked widespread debate back home, with the minnows equalising before the heavy rout unfolded.

Seen as a possible successor to Nagelsmann, Klopp, featuring on Magenta TV as a pundit, said in Houston: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is picking the team, still.”

Joining Klopp on the broadcast was former Germany and Bayern Munich forward Thomas ⁠Muller, who laughed and replied: “Kloppo, ⁠we are still in June. You are already in September.”

The controversy and perceived disrespect to some surrounds the word “still” due to the doubt cast over Nagelsmann's future, dependent on the run at the World Cup.

Klopp apologised while interviewing the coach: “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.”