Jurgen Klopp defends 'outstanding' Red Bull move after former Liverpool manager receives backlash
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Published 30/10/2024 at 17:33 GMT
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Speaking on Toni Kroos' Einfach mal Luppen podcast, Jurgen Klopp discussed his upcoming role as global head of soccer at Red Bull and the negative reaction the news provoked. Klopp called the advisory role "outstanding", despite some anger from fans at his former clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. The German will start work with Red Bull's international network of clubs in January.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to take a job with Red Bull following a backlash from some fans of his former clubs.
The former Liverpool manager will step into his new role as global head of soccer at The Red Bull Group in January, an advisory position supporting clubs including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.
Some supporters at Bundesliga side Mainz, who Klopp played for and later managed, were not best pleased at the decision, flying a banner during their 2-0 home defeat to Leipzig reading, 'Have you forgotten everything we gave you?’
But speaking to ex-Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and his brother Felix, Klopp said he could not see himself continuing to be a head coach as he nears retirement age.
“You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be,” Klopp said on Kroos’ Einfach mal Luppen podcast.
“I am 57 and can still work a few more years. But I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was always clear, well, clear to me, that I wouldn’t do nothing.
“And then the Red Bull story came up. And it was an outstanding [opportunity], and I have to be honest about that.
“I did not want to step on anyone’s toes, absolutely not. And I love all my former clubs. But I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.”
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Klopp's new job promises to be less hands-on than his previous managerial roles at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, where he admitted he often felt “the loneliest person”.
"I always had the feeling that the coach is very, very often the loneliest person at the club,” said Klopp.
“Basically, I’m an advisor. Hopefully I can bring calm in different ways and, in other situations, assess things correctly and help the coaches.
“But I just want to support, not interfere, because I know how disruptive that is. Instead, I want to pass on my experience and work in the world that I know best.”
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