Jürgen Klopp’s upcoming role as Red Bull’s global head of football has stirred significant interest, with reports revealing that the position was offered to him long before he officially decided to part ways with Liverpool.
The 57-year-old, who enjoyed a transformative tenure at Anfield, will assume his new responsibilities on January 1, overseeing the development of Red Bull’s network of football clubs worldwide.
The decision to join Red Bull has not been without controversy, particularly in Klopp’s homeland of Germany. Many fans of Borussia Dortmund, his former club, and even some of his former players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the move. However, Klopp’s appointment is not a sudden development but rather a culmination of years of discussions and careful consideration.
Red Bull’s long pursuit of Klopp
Oliver Mintzlaff, the CEO of Red Bull, recently shared insights into how the company initially approached Klopp for the role. Speaking to Welt TV, as reported by FR.de, Mintzlaff disclosed that discussions about the position began while Klopp was still managing Liverpool.
“The first conversation took place more than two years ago,” Mintzlaff revealed. “I brought the idea to Jürgen, and it immediately caught his interest. He found the concept exciting, and we stayed in touch from that point onward. I didn’t give up on the idea.”
Despite Klopp signing a contract extension with Liverpool in April 2022, Red Bull remained keen on securing his services. Their efforts reignited earlier this year when Klopp announced his decision to step down as Liverpool manager.
“We met again in Liverpool after his resignation was announced,” Mintzlaff continued. “I presented the idea to him once more, explaining how we could use his expertise and why it would be a unique challenge. This time, he agreed. His response was, ‘All right, let’s do it.’ I could hardly believe it – I had to pinch myself.”
Klopp’s decision not motivated by money
There has been speculation suggesting Klopp’s move to Red Bull was financially motivated. However, both Klopp and Mintzlaff have dismissed these claims. The former Liverpool boss has stated that he could have earned more had he stayed in traditional football management, and Mintzlaff echoed this sentiment during his interview.
“We discussed money for about 20 seconds,” Mintzlaff explained. “Jürgen was genuinely interested in the role and eager to take on the challenge. When he agreed, it turned out to be one of the simplest negotiations I’ve experienced in the last 20 years.”
While questions linger about whether Red Bull’s interest influenced Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool earlier than many expected, there is no evidence to suggest it impacted his commitment to the club during his final months. Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool ended on amicable terms, with the respect and well-wishes of everyone connected to the club.
Klopp leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape Liverpool’s success under new leadership. His successor, Arne Slot, has been widely praised for his excellent work since taking over, but even Slot acknowledges the strong foundation left by Klopp.
Much of Liverpool’s current success can be attributed to Klopp’s influence, both in terms of the squad he built and the culture he fostered at the club. Slot’s achievements may be his own, but they are undoubtedly intertwined with the groundwork laid by his predecessor.
A new chapter for Klopp
Klopp’s new role at Red Bull represents a significant shift in his career. Rather than managing a single team, he will now oversee the strategic development of Red Bull’s global football operations. This includes guiding the interconnected network of clubs under the Red Bull umbrella, such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls.
The job offers Klopp a chance to influence football on a global scale, a challenge he has long been intrigued by. For Red Bull, securing someone of Klopp’s caliber is a massive coup, reinforcing their ambition to expand their presence and impact in the footballing world.
While Klopp’s departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of an exciting new phase in his career. The decision to join Red Bull was not made lightly, and it reflects his desire to embrace fresh challenges beyond traditional football management.
As Klopp steps into his new role, his influence will undoubtedly extend far beyond the touchline. With his track record of success, innovative thinking, and ability to inspire, Klopp is well-positioned to leave a lasting mark on Red Bull’s footballing empire. For Liverpool, his departure may have left a void, but his legacy continues to drive the club forward as they build on the foundation he so meticulously crafted.
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