Jurgen Klopp defends decision to head up Red Bull’s group of soccer clubs
Klopp stepped down as the Reds manager at the end of last season
Jurgen Klopp has addressed the reactions to his appointment as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull following his departure from Liverpool.
The former Reds manager was officially confirmed in this role earlier this month, with plans to begin on January 1, 2025.
Klopp’s decision surprised many in the sporting world and has drawn some criticism from his former clubs.
In a recent appearance on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast, hosted by former Germany and Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, Klopp shared insights into his choice to collaborate with Red Bull.
“It was always clear – to me it was clear – that I wouldn’t be doing nothing,” he said.
“And then the Red Bull story came onto the table.
“To me that’s outstanding, I have to be honest.
“I don’t know exactly what I could have done to make everyone happy.
“I didn’t want to step on anybody’s toes, definitely not, and personally I love all of my ex-clubs.”
Red Bull’s partnership with RB Leipzig has faced significant backlash from the majority of supporters in Germany, who view the corporate influence as conflicting with the core values of the sport.
Jurgen Klopp, often seen as a figure whose principles resonate with those of the fans, has stirred up controversy with his association with Red Bull.
Supporters of his former clubs, Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, have expressed their disappointment in recent weeks.
Additionally, Klopp has downplayed the possibility of returning to coaching in the future after his successful nine-year tenure at Anfield.
“I’m 57 so I can still work for a couple more years but I don’t really see myself on the sideline (as a coach) for the time being,” he said.
“But it was always clear that I wasn’t going to do nothing at all.
“And then this story with Red Bull came into the picture, and for me it’s outstanding.”
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