Following his nine-year spell at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp took a short hiatus before accepting a new position in the football industry.
Consequently, what happened?
The German coach left Liverpool at the end of the previous season, and he has been enjoying a well-earned hiatus. He has continued to make appearances; he went back to Borussia Dortmund in September for the testimonial for Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski and attended the Paralympics in Paris. Unsurprisingly, he has been connected to numerous positions, most notably with the Men’s National Team of the United States, England, and Germany. However, Klopp has been holding off on accepting a long-term job until now, and he will now resume his duties as Red Bull’s new Global Head of Soccer.
THE LARGER IMAGE
The 57-year-old has reportedly inked a long-term deal with Red Bull and will begin serving in his new capacity on January 1, 2025, according to Sky Germany. Thus, Klopp will be assisting the managers of RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls, among other teams in the Red Bull network, from a strategic position rather than a return to the touchline.
Klopp will concentrate on advancing Red Bull’s concept of play while using his scouting network to find young players and coaches.
RED BULL’S MENTION
“Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma,” stated Mintzlaff in a statement. He will revolutionize our engagement in international soccer and its ongoing growth in his capacity as head of soccer.”
WERE YOU AWARENESS?
An exit provision in Klopp’s Red Bull contract allows him to depart if a suitable position opens up, most likely the Germany position. The agreement expires at the 2026 World Cup, and according to Sky Germany, should current manager Julian Nagelsmann resign following the competition in North America, Klopp’s path to taking over as head coach of his own country will be “more possible than ever”.
WHAT NEXT FOR KLOPP?
Klopp will currently be preparing for his new role. He was headhunted by Oliver Mintzlaff, the current CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, who will be keen for the new hire to be a success.