Jurgen Klopp appointed as Red Bull's global football chief after leaving Liverpool

On October 9, the former German coach was named the head of global football for Red Bull, the company that owns a number of clubs including RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls. This marks his first position since departing from Liverpool earlier in 2024.

The 57-year-old, who ended his successful nine-year stint with the Reds at the end of last season, will be starting in his new role on Jan 1, 2025.

“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” Klopp, who also coached Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund, said in a statement.

“The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.”

Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff said that Klopp is “one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma”.

“In his role as head of soccer, he will be a game-changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development,” he added.

Klopp joined Liverpool in October 2015 and won the Champions League, their first English League title since 1990, the Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and Super Cup, as well as the Community Shield during his time in charge.

Klopp, who also led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles, a German Cup and a Champions League final in 2013, had announced in January he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of last season.

He said then that he was tired and needed a break from the daily grind of club management.

It is therefore not a surprise that Klopp will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the Red Bull-owned clubs in Germany, United States, Brazil and Austria, the Austrian energy drinks brand said.

“He will provide strategic vision, supporting individual sporting directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy,” Red Bull said, confirming his job scope.

He will also support the organisation’s global scouting operation, as well as contribute to the training and development of coaches.

“I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more,” Klopp added.

Some German media outlets reported that his Red Bull contract included an exit clause for the post of Germany national team coach, but this is not officially confirmed.

Klopp has long been linked to that job, especially after his successful stint at Liverpool and with Germany struggling to make an impact on the international stage in the past decade.

However, he previously said that he hopes Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann will stay in the role beyond his current contract, which ends after the 2026 World Cup. , AFP