Jurgen Klopp reveals 'changed persepctive' as Liverpool icon prepares for new job

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is relishing the prospect of working alongside one of his ex-players at this summer's World Cup. The Anfield legend will be in the United States, Mexico and Canada for World Cup 2026 after taking up a punditry role in his homeland, Germany . This summer will mark two years since Klopp brought the curtain down on his legendary spell in charge of the Reds. Shortly afterwards he took on a position as Red Bull's Head of Global Football but he'll embrace a fresh challenge as a pundit for MagentaTV this summer. And he's excited about reuniting with one of his former players, Mats Hummels , in the role. Hummels was a crucial member and leadership figure in the Borussia Dortmund sides that secured consecutive Bundesliga titles under Klopp in 2011 and 2012. The recently retired centre-back will be joining Klopp and former Germany colleague Thomas Muller in the World Cup 2026 studio. And Klopp reflected on how the fresh dynamic between the duo has "changed the perspective" considerably. "So many [of my] former players are part of the World Cup, which is really, really nice," he told BBC Sport when asked whom he believes will enjoy a strong tournament in North America. "And to see how time flies." FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page "Another former player of mine will be a co-pundit of mine, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller as well, but Mats Hummels was my former player. So, all of a sudden, things changed the perspective." Hummels, 37, retired last year following a one-season stint at Roma, the only campaign of his career spent outside Germany. He did, however, return to Dortmund for a brief farewell appearance in a friendly against Juventus . He and Klopp worked magic together at the Westfalenstadion, long before the manager became the revered figure supporters recognise today. In many respects, Liverpool fans may owe Hummels a debt of gratitude for the pivotal role he played in the successes that ultimately brought one of the Reds' most beloved managers to Anfield. Klopp spoke warmly ahead of Scotland's group-stage encounter with Brazil at the World Cup. Andy Robertson and Alisson will go head-to-head in that fixture, which could take place in the very summer that both players depart the club . He also mentioned Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and reigning titleholder Alexis Mac Allister among those he hopes will shine at the tournament. Yet it was one Liverpool player he never had the privilege of managing who earned the highest praise of all. "I hope [Florian] Wirtz will have a fantastic, fantastic World Cup," he said. "I think he has everything you need to be a standout player. "I don't want to put any pressure on the boy. I really think he showed already how good he can be in a difficult season."