Jürgen Klopp Returns to Coaching with Red Bull: An Exclusive Interview

As he prepares for an exciting new chapter, Jürgen Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, is set to take on the position of head of global soccer at Red Bull starting January 1, 2025. We had the opportunity to sit down with Klopp to discuss his enthusiasm for this innovative project.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get involved in something like this,” Klopp expressed, reflecting on nearly 25 years of coaching experience. “While my role may be changing, my passion for football and the incredible people involved in it remains steadfast.”

Sources from Germany suggest that Klopp’s contract includes a clause that allows him to pursue the coaching position for the German national team if Julian Nagelsmann steps down. Nagelsmann recently extended his contract and is expected to lead Germany into the 2026 World Cup.

After wrapping up nearly eight years with Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, Klopp has remained active on social media and has shown support for his friend, Wojtek Czyz, during the Paris Paralympics.

“The role I’m stepping into at Red Bull is akin to what Michael Edwards did at Liverpool,” Klopp explained. “The ownership at Liverpool has been moving towards a multi-club ownership model, and I’m eager to contribute to that vision.”

Klopp’s official introduction is anticipated during a press conference in mid-January 2025. According to Red Bull, his emphasis will not be on daily operations but rather on overseeing a network of clubs with an intensity reminiscent of his coaching style.

During a 2022 friendly match between Liverpool and RB Salzburg, Klopp praised Red Bull’s approach, stating, “What Red Bull is doing is fascinating. They adapt every year, sell players, yet still field a competitive team. Their football philosophy really resonates with ours.”

Red Bull’s sporting organization includes clubs like RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls, along with minority stakes in Leeds United and ventures such as their successful F1 team. Ralf Rangnick, a co-founder of the Red Bull philosophy and former Manchester United manager, has been a mentor to Klopp, sharing insights into their mutual high-pressing style.

Reflecting on his illustrious coaching career, which includes significant achievements at Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool, Klopp acknowledged a shift in role, stating, “I see my position primarily as a mentor for coaches and management across the Red Bull clubs, contributing to an organization that is truly unique and forward-thinking.”

Red Bull confirmed that Klopp will focus on providing a strategic vision to assist individual sporting directors in enhancing the Red Bull philosophy. With Pepijn Ljinders, a former assistant to Klopp, already at Salzburg, and other seasoned coaches in Red Bull’s clubs, Klopp is enthusiastic about the journey ahead.

As he transitions into this new role, Klopp emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation, setting the stage for what could be an exciting era in global soccer with Red Bull.