Jürgen Klopp has used social media to clarify his decision to accept a position with Red Bull, starting in 2025. The former Liverpool manager will assume the role of ‘Head of Global Soccer’ for the energy drink company from January 1, 2025. In this capacity, Klopp will oversee Red Bull’s network of football clubs across the globe, offering guidance on playing style, transfer strategy, and coaching development.
Despite the position being more advisory than managerial, Klopp has faced criticism from German football fans, particularly due to his association with RB Leipzig, a Bundesliga rival of Borussia Dortmund, the club where he once managed. Leipzig’s ownership model, widely regarded as controversial in Germany, has made the club unpopular among traditional supporters of German football, exacerbating the backlash towards Klopp’s decision.
In light of the growing criticism, Klopp decided to address his fans directly via social media. He posted a video message on Instagram, where he has over 4.5 million followers, to explain his decision.
“Hi. Some of you might have heard already, some of you won’t,” Klopp began. “From 1st of January 2025, I will be Head of Global Soccer of Red Bull, and I’m really looking forward to that.”
Klopp reiterated that he had no intention of returning to management, but still wished to contribute to football in a meaningful way. He emphasized that his new role at Red Bull offered the ideal platform for him to share the insights he has gathered over his extensive managerial career.
“A few months ago, I said I don’t see myself on a sideline anymore and that is still the case. But I still love football and I still love working, and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that.”
He reflected on the breadth of his career, where he encountered a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Klopp spoke about his experiences fighting for promotion, battling relegation, and competing for titles and trophies, acknowledging both the successes and failures along the way.
“I want to share my experience which I collected over the years and we all know that there are much more successful managers out there but, in my career, I’ve fought for promotion, I’ve fought against relegation, I’ve fought for titles and I’ve fought for trophies.”
He also emphasized the difficulty of managing these challenges but underscored that it is possible to navigate them successfully. Now, stepping into a more reflective role, Klopp expressed enthusiasm for continuing to learn about the sport he loves.
“Sometimes we failed, sometimes we succeeded. And dealing with that is not easy – but it’s possible. Then I want to learn again because, when you are in the job and you have to play every three days, you barely have time for that.”
He shared that the opportunity at Red Bull would allow him to spend more time focusing on the development of football and understanding what could be beneficial for the game’s future.
“And now I have time, and now I have the opportunity. And I want to see and feel and figure out what is useful for football. So, developing football a little bit as well.”
Klopp wrapped up his message by saying that he is eager to start this new chapter, though he made it clear that his new role would not commence until January 2025.
“As I’ve said, (I’m) really looking forward to it but now I go back on holiday. See you in January.”
Despite his new professional chapter, concerns linger about how this position might affect Klopp’s reputation in Germany. His association with RB Leipzig, a team disliked by many in German football, could have consequences, particularly for his legacy at former clubs like Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund. Klopp spent a combined 14 years managing those two clubs, where he remains a much-loved figure due to his successes and the emotional bond he formed with fans.
Only recently, Klopp returned to Borussia Dortmund to manage the team in a testimonial match for club legends Łukasz Piszczek and Jakub Błaszczykowski, two players who were pivotal during his time at the club. The event was a reminder of the close ties Klopp shares with Dortmund and its fanbase, and it will be interesting to see whether his new role at Red Bull will in any way alter the affection that fans in Germany continue to hold for him.
