Jurgen Klopp agrees first new role since Liverpool departure but includes surprise exit clause
Jurgen Klopp will become the new Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull as he agrees his first new role since leaving Liverpool.
Klopp left Anfield this summer after nine illustrious seasons where he led the Premier League club to eight trophies.
3
He embarked on a sabbatical, but now it appears he is ready to get back to work.
Klopp will start the new role in January and has already agreed a long-term contract.
He will advise the Red Bull network of teams, including Leipzig, and Salzburg, on coaching matter, playing philosophy, development and transfers of players and coaches.
A Red Bull statement read: "In his strategic role, Jurgen Klopp will not be involved in the clubs' day-to-day operations but will focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy.
Read more on Jurgen Klopp
"He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches."
“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” he said. “The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.
Klopp said: “By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. There are many ways that we can do this from using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries.
“Together we can discover what is possible. 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.”
Most read in Football
There is understood to be an exit option in this contract that would allow him to become the Germany national team coach.
Klopp has long been linked with the Germany job and is a potential future successor for Julian Nagelsmann.
3
Speaking after announcing his Liverpool exit, the 57-year-old admitted he could not continue the role and suggested he may never return to day-to-day management.
“My managerial skills are based on energy and emotion and that takes all of you,” said Klopp.
“If I cannot do it anymore, stop it. It was not my idea when I signed the new contract.
Jurgen Klopp Makes His Borussia Dortmund Return To Insane Reception From The Fans!
“I was 100 per cent convinced at that moment we would go until 2026. But I realised my resources are not endless. I’m not a young rabbit anymore.”
Klopp was back in the dugout earlier this summer as he took charge of former club Borussia Dortmund for a one-off testimonial for two club legends.
Polish duo Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski had their careers celebrated at Signal Iduna Park.
Piszczek and Blaszczykowski were both part of the Bundesliga-winning teams in 2011 and 2012 under him.
“It's a lifelong dream come true”' Klopp said after the game. “I wanted to have that again.
“Just a few months ago, I was given an emotional farewell in Liverpool. Today it was very emotional again.
3
“Some people might say that today he's like this and tomorrow he'll be like that. I explain it like this: when you have three children, you love them all. And that's the same with my three clubs. I love them all.”
Last week, Klopp received the order of merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by federal president Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellvue Palace in Berlin.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool trophy haul
- 1x Premier League
- 1x Champions League
- 1x FA Cup
- 2x EFL Cup
- 1x UEFA Super Cup
- 1x FIFA Club World Cup
- 1x Community Shield
He was recognised for his achievements in supporting German-British relations and his involvement 'in social and community activities' such as 'assisting underprivileged young people' and living 'tolerance, team spirit and solidarity.'
A picture of a leaner-looking Klopp posing with the award saw fans flock to social media to have their say.
Read More on talkSPORT
Klopp gave nothing away when pressed on a possible return to football amid recent links with the German national team.
Julian Nagelsmann is currently in the hot seat but at just 37 years of age, many are expecting the ex-Bayern Munich boss to return to club football in the near future.