Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is set to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer starting January 1.
This exciting move comes after Klopp has taken a breather from football following his nine-year tenure at Liverpool, where he left an indelible mark.
The Role and Responsibilities
In his new position, Klopp will oversee the global network of Red Bull’s football clubs, which include well-known teams like RB Leipzig, FC Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls.
His responsibilities will extend to providing guidance on coaching strategies, player development, and transfer decisions for both players and coaches.
A Long-Standing Deal
Interestingly, this move has been in the works for quite some time.
According to German outlet TZ, Klopp had an initial meeting about this role back in September 2022 with Red Bull’s co-founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, who sadly passed away the following month.
During this meeting, it’s reported that Klopp was convinced to take on this significant role, with an agreement to begin in early 2025.
A Smooth Transition from Liverpool
Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool earlier this year, about 15 months after he was rumored to have secured this deal with Red Bull.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s chief motorsport advisor, expressed astonishment at how such a major agreement remained under wraps for so long, suggesting that it would have been nearly impossible to keep such news quiet in the world of Formula 1.
Interest from the US National Team
Earlier this year, Klopp was considered for the head coach position of the US national team, a role that ultimately went to Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite the interest, Klopp reportedly had his sights set on Red Bull and was prepared to turn down any overtures from the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Klopp’s Admiration for Red Bull’s Philosophy
Klopp has previously spoken highly of Red Bull’s football philosophy, particularly after a friendly match with RB Salzburg in 2022.
He noted how the organization has a unique approach to maintaining competitive teams even while selling key players, which he found intriguing.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
However, not everyone is thrilled about Klopp’s new role, especially fans of Borussia Dortmund.
Given Dortmund’s historical rivalry and issues with RB Leipzig’s ownership model, there’s been some backlash from the fan base over Klopp’s decision to join the energy drink giant.
Klopp’s Excitement for the Future
Reflecting on his new position, Klopp expressed his enthusiasm on the Red Bull website: “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I couldn’t be more excited to engage in a project like this.
While my role may have changed, my passion for football and the people involved remains steadfast.”
He emphasized his goal of developing and supporting the talent within the Red Bull clubs, utilizing Red Bull’s vast resources and knowledge.
“I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management, but I’m also part of an innovative organization looking toward the future,” he stated.
Keeping Options Open
In a strategic move, Klopp has secured an exit clause that would allow him to take over the German national team if approached.
As discussions swirl around the future of the national team, Klopp’s name has been floated as a potential successor to the current coach, Julian Nagelsmann, whose contract runs until after the 2026 World Cup.
What Lies Ahead?
As Klopp embarks on this new adventure with Red Bull, the football world will be watching closely to see how he shapes the future of the clubs under the Red Bull banner.
The next chapter in Klopp’s career promises to be as dynamic as his previous ones.