At his unveiling as Red Bull’s global head of soccer, Jurgen Klopp explained why he chose to take on another role outside of football management.
The former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss was appointed to his new role late last year and will work across the Red Bull-owned clubs including RB Salzburg – where his unveiling took place – and RB Leipzig.
Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine successful years with the club, and was replaced by Arne Slot. The Reds are currently top of the Premier League and Champions League tables under their new boss.
When asked why Klopp chose a different job away from management, he replied: “Because it’s a different role. I’ve always said that I love what I do, but after a thousand matches and press conferences, I wanted a fresh start and a new opportunity.
“For the stage of my life, it’s the perfect step now. Now I have a fantastic team. Mario Gomez is part of the international team. Everyone is passionate about this company. I am absolutely happy to be doing this.
“I will not be a coach of a Red Bull team. I sit here, as much as I can give a guarantee, but I’m the only person to be asked where I will be in five years, four years, three years – no one knows.
“I will not be a Red Bull club manager, I hope we create a structure where these questions can’t be asked. That would be cool.
“What I want to do is develop football – develop football for our clubs, for our players and for our talents, but for football itself as well. Somebody has to take care of that. So yes, helping football and in the same moment being successful with Red Bull in the long term is super appealing to me.”
Klopp was also quizzed on how he managed to transform Liverpool after taking over the club in October 2015. In 2020, Klopp guided the Reds to a first top-flight title in 30 years, 12 months on from guiding them to a sixth European Cup.
He explained: “Liverpool had its problems, building a new training ground, I was always involved, but the only thing we cut off was matches.
“I was always interested in infrastructure, culture, I knew a part of the success and dealt with big defeats because of the culture within the club.”
Jurgen Klopp defends decision to join Red Bull Group as the head of global soccer after criticism from fans of his former management clubs.
The German was also questioned about three of his former players – Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk – whose current contracts expire this summer.
“I’m so happy they’re doing well, I’m in contact with Arne [Slot] and some players texting,” Klopp replied. “There’s 0.1 per cent thinking I should still be there as they are doing so well.
“I am watching as many games as I can as it is such good football, maybe the best-balanced team in the world right now.
“I am so happy I am not in charge right now to answer these questions and from my point of view, I hope all three extend, but they did not tell me.
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When asked whether the trio could go to a Red Bull team, Klopp offered a humorous reply, saying: “Virgil, I’m sure would love five more years at Liverpool then 41, 42!
“Mo, we [Red Bull] would have no chance to pay his wages. Trent? Yeah, then he can learning defending. It’s so poor, it’s so poor really.
“I’m happy I’m not answering it. I’m watching the press conferences when he had to talk about thinking.
“Yes he didn’t play well against Man United, but if you would make a fuss when he plays well, when he doesn’t it would be a cool planet.”
Analysis: Klopp rejuvenated in new role
Jurgen Klopp at his unveiling as Red Bull’s head of global soccer
Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor in Salzburg:
From the tongue in cheek prospect of Red Bull signing Liverpool’s soon-to-be out of contract trio, to the promise that the drinks are on him should Manchester City be forced to hand over their titles – “oh god what a headline,” he berated himself – Jurgen Klopp didn’t disappoint on his return to centre stage.
Reinvigorated after his break, he looked lean and relaxed in front of the 200 media organisations from around the world attending his first news conference as Red Bull’s head of global football. Clearly the time spent on the padel court has served him well. The stress of football management has disappeared from his face replaced by an exuberance for the job ahead.
His curious nature has been reignited. He freely admitted that coaching didn’t do that for him anymore, whereas his new role has sparked something.
The chance to meet Max Verstappen, among others, excites him. “How can Max Verstappen be fully focused at that speed?”, he asked rhetorically. “I’d love to know. Give me that info and I’ll try to take it into football.”
Max Verstappen praised Jurgen Klopp and believes that his position as the new Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull will be great for the organisation
The aim? To help people become better versions of themselves. He even threw in the line “I would like to give wings to people!”
His personable qualities, on display for the whole 90 minutes he was on stage, allied with his experience in transforming the fortunes of Mainz, Dortmund and Liverpool looks a good fit for the mentoring role to their coaches that Red Bull envisaged.
On top of that his eye for a player can only benefit talent identification and ultimately recruitment.
His role maybe somewhat different to what we’ve seen throughout his career – but today he was as normal as we’ve ever known him.
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