Somehow, even during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Arsenal have emerged as a talking point for someone as revered in the world of football as Jurgen Klopp.
The former Liverpool boss is currently serving as a pundit and his work has usually been well-received.
However, after Germany’s shock elimination against Paraguay in the Round of 32, the 59-year-old aimed a sly dig at Arsenal after Jonathan Tah’s potential winner was ruled out in extra time.
Arsenal’s set-pieces become a talking point
Not much needs to be said about Arsenal’s set-piece defending, with the Gunners winning the Premier League by weaponising corners and free-kicks.
Obviously, that isn’t the kind of football that is everyone’s cup of tea. However, it did get the job done for the Gunners, with Nicolas Jover – Klopp’s compatriot, earning rave reviews for his work as the club’s set-piece coach.
With Germany and Paraguay tied at 1-1, Tah had the ball in the back of the net for what looked like a late winner.
However, the goal was chalked off as Germany defender Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
And it’s safe to say Klopp wasn’t a fan of the decision as he claimed that if such goals were ruled out, Arsenal would have never won the Premier League in the first place.
“If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won’t be English champions,’ Klopp told MagentaTV, as reported by The Sun.
“They’ve scored 60 percent of their goals that way.
“We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.”
More of a dig at the lack of consistency
Klopp is usually a classy customer, so his comments obviously come as a bit of a shock. We can write them off as a one-off as he spoke immediately after Germany were knocked out.
However, his comments are likely towards the inconsistency in terms of flagging these fouls. It has emerged as a bit of a grey area in recent seasons, but thankfully, it hasn’t come back to haunt Arsenal.
In fact, the Gunners have been incredible when it comes to set-pieces at both ends of the pitch, with Gabriel Magalhaes leading their charge from dead balls.
Klopp’s comments are in poor taste but Arsenal won’t care as they now have a Premier League trophy in their back pocket.
Commiserations to Kai Havertz, though, who scored a goal and later missed a penalty as Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the Round of 32.
