Explained: Why Jurgen Klopp’s Move to Red Bull Isn’t Surprising | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp’s New Role at Red Bull: A Change of Pace with Familiar Challenges

As reported by Simon Hughes for The Athletic, Jurgen Klopp’s recent appointment as Red Bull’s global head of soccer has surprised many football enthusiasts. Klopp’s shift to an overseeing role is notable, especially after he departed Liverpool in May 2024, citing exhaustion from the rigours of football management. However, upon closer examination, this new position may suit Klopp’s character and ambition, offering a return to the game on his terms.

Klopp’s Evolving Role in Football

During his time at Liverpool, Klopp was as much a figurehead as a manager. His influence extended beyond the pitch, permeating various aspects of the club’s strategy and identity. Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group, once noted that Klopp was “someone you would choose to run your company.” This sentiment emphasised the trust and value placed on Klopp’s leadership style.

Photo: IMAGO

Now at Red Bull, Klopp will once again be tasked with providing strategic vision rather than day-to-day management. He will not be running any single team but will instead be influencing Red Bull’s “philosophy” across multiple clubs. According to Red Bull, Klopp will be aiding the sporting directors, scouting departments, and coaches within its football network. This role seems like a natural progression for a man who once said he would never manage another Premier League team.

Moving Away from the Grind of Management

Klopp’s departure from Liverpool echoed his exit from Borussia Dortmund in 2015, where he left after a season of struggle, citing a need for rest. This time, however, his new role offers a slower pace and removes him from the daily pressures of football management. Hughes explains, “Unlike at Liverpool, he will be able to do his job without the pressures of preparing a team, matches, and press conferences.”

Yet, there’s also a strategic element at play here. Red Bull’s ownership of clubs like RB Leipzig and Salzburg presents a unique ecosystem that requires a guiding force who can unify them under a single identity. Red Bull has made significant strides in European football, with Leipzig making seven Champions League appearances in the past eight seasons. Klopp’s reputation and understanding of the game are assets that could be invaluable to Red Bull’s ambitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential Conflicts with Klopp’s Past Ideals

One of the most intriguing aspects of Klopp’s new role is how it aligns with his values. At both Dortmund and Liverpool, he championed clubs with deep, authentic fan connections. Dortmund fans once boycotted matches against RB Leipzig, protesting the latter’s commercialized ownership model. This sentiment was echoed by protest organiser Jan-Henrik Gruszecki, who stated, “Leipzig plays football to sell a product and a lifestyle. That’s the difference.”

Klopp’s involvement with Red Bull could be seen as a betrayal of these ideals. He previously took jabs at clubs with commercialized structures, positioning himself as a proponent of traditional football values. Now, as he joins Red Bull, he might risk diluting his legacy, especially among fans in Germany. The way he navigates this challenge will shape perceptions of his role.

A New Chapter with Familiar Faces

Klopp’s appointment also raises questions about his relationship with former assistant Pep Lijnders, now coaching at Red Bull Salzburg. Speculation about Klopp influencing Lijnders’ tenure has already surfaced, yet the close bond between the two suggests that Klopp’s presence could actually reinforce Lijnders’ position. With Klopp set to start in January, it’s unlikely he would advocate for Lijnders’ departure, given their shared history and trust built at Liverpool.

The balance between supporting his former assistant and making objective decisions for the Red Bull group will be a delicate one. But for now, Klopp’s role promises a mix of familiar challenges and new freedoms.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, Klopp’s move to Red Bull represents a bittersweet development. On one hand, it’s exciting to see him continue in football after his achievements with Liverpool. He brought the club to heights unseen in decades, and the departure left many wondering where his journey would take him next. However, Red Bull’s commercialism starkly contrasts the values Klopp espoused during his time at Anfield.

Klopp famously said he’d never manage another Premier League club, but to see him working within a system that includes minority ownership in Leeds United might feel too close for comfort. The thought of Klopp potentially guiding Leeds, even indirectly, against Liverpool in the future is unsettling for many Reds. Still, fans can take solace in the idea that Klopp may be positioning himself for the German national team role, which could give him the grand finale he deserves.

As Klopp embraces a more advisory position, Liverpool supporters will watch closely, hopeful that he remains true to the values he once stood for. This role at Red Bull might lack the authenticity of Liverpool or Dortmund, but if anyone can navigate these waters with integrity, it’s Klopp. Whatever the outcome, his impact on Liverpool is indelible, and fans will continue to sing his praises, hoping his new role keeps his legacy intact.