- galaxy
- 09 Oct 2024 06:12 AM
- Jurgen Klopp, football operations
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has officially taken on a new role as the head of football operations at Red Bull, overseeing the club’s franchises, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls. This announcement, made by the company on October 9, 2024, marks a significant shift for Klopp after a successful nine-year tenure at Liverpool, during which he revitalized the club, securing both the Premier League and the Champions League titles.
Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of last season came as a surprise to fans, with the 57-year-old citing exhaustion from his managerial role. His new position at Red Bull will not involve day-to-day coaching; instead, Klopp will focus on high-level strategic initiatives. According to Red Bull, Klopp will primarily serve as a mentor to the coaches and management teams of their clubs, emphasizing a supportive leadership role rather than direct involvement in matchday tactics.
"I'm thrilled to be part of such an exciting project after nearly 25 years on the sidelines," Klopp stated. His official start date is set for January 1, 2025.
Interestingly, reports from Sky Germany indicate that Klopp's contract includes an exit clause, allowing him the option to step in as the manager of the German national team if approached. Klopp, who enjoys a residence on the Spanish island of Majorca, continues to maintain a sponsorship relationship with Adidas.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, managing director of Borussia Dortmund—where Klopp previously managed—expressed his best wishes for Klopp in his new venture, revealing that their discussions had included insights into the Red Bull role. Earlier this month, Klopp was also honored with Germany's Federal Cross of Merit, underscoring his significant contributions to the sport.
Red Bull, in addition to its football investments, also serves as the principal sponsor of the reigning Formula One champion team led by Max Verstappen, highlighting the company’s diverse interests in sports.