Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to take a role at Red Bull after leaving Liverpool. The former Reds boss was confirmed as the brand’s new Global Head of Soccer earlier this month.
Klopp’s decision was met with surprise from the sporting world and prompted some criticism from his former clubs. The 57-year-old will officially start his new job on January 1, 2025.
Speaking on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast (h/t the Standard) hosted by former Germany and Real Madrid player Toni Kroos, Klopp offered an insight into his decision to link up 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 decision to partner with RB Leipzig has not been welcomed by the majority of supporters in Germany, with their corporate standing viewed as being at odds with the morals of the game.
Given Klopp has long been viewed as a figure whose principles were in line with those of supporters, his role at Red Bull has stirred up some anger, with fans of former clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund sharing their disappointment in recent weeks.
Klopp also played down the prospect of a return to coaching in the future after nine successful years 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.”
