Jürgen Klopp points to Arsenal, angry over Germany exit to Paraguay

Jürgen Klopp launched a fierce attack on the referee following Germany’s World Cup defeat to Paraguay after Jonathan Tah had what would have been the winning goal in extra time ruled out.

The decision was particularly significant because it marked the first use of what has been dubbed the “anti-Arsenal rule,” under which goals can be disallowed if attacking players illegally screen or block defenders during set pieces, even before the ball has been put into play.

“If that’s a disallowed goal, then Arsenal wouldn’t be English champions. They scored 60% of their goals like that,” Klopp said.

The former Liverpool manager was visibly furious over the decision and admitted he was stunned by the referee’s interpretation.

“There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one. You have to attack down the wings. There is no alternative. We all know how good these players are, but they didn’t show it on the pitch. We can talk about the DFB [German Football Association]. It is absolutely necessary to change some things. We can start with the Under-10 level and wait a few years to see the results.”

Klopp also pointed to the psychological side of Germany’s elimination.

“Paraguay had the chance to achieve something. Germany had the pressure of having to achieve it.”

He also lamented his team’s lack of conviction after equalizing.

“The whole stadium thought we were going to complete the comeback, but we didn’t. We let them get away.”

Is Jürgen Klopp going to be next Germany coach?

The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach finished by calling for sweeping changes throughout German soccer.

“Let’s talk about the federation. We have to change some things from the ground up. We have to start at the Under-10 level and wait a few years before we see the results at the top.”

Asked whether he would consider becoming Germany’s next head coach, Klopp avoided committing himself.

“I haven’t thought about that yet. I understand why my name is being mentioned now. But this isn’t the time to talk about that.”

Germany’s defeat to Paraguay is expected to intensify scrutiny of the national team’s future.

Völler backs Nagelsmann

German legend and sporting director Rudi Völler threw his support behind Julian Nagelsmann in the mixed zone after the match.

“Julian is still a top-class coach. He’s a fighter. He’ll recover from such a painful defeat and come back ready to attack again. I know many people won’t understand that after we’ve been eliminated like this. But I still believe he’s probably the right man to continue. However, the federation isn’t just me. It isn’t my decision alone.”

For his part, Nagelsmann made it clear that he wants to remain in charge despite Germany’s shock round of 32 elimination.

“I’m not someone who runs away. I’m available if that’s what the federation wants. If they don’t want me, they have to tell me. I want to continue. In football, you don’t have complete control over everything. If the federation wants me to do it, I’d be delighted to prepare the team for the European Championship and the Nations League,” the Germany coach told MagentaTV.

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