Hoeneß taunts Klopp: Red Bull role „not a long-term fit“ | OneFootball

Uli Hoeneß was unusually critical of Jürgen Klopp in the OMR Podcast – and triggered a discussion about his future at Red Bull. The honorary president of Bayern, who has held Klopp in high regard for years, believes his role as global soccer boss of the brewing company is a misguided model. Hoeneß was particularly clear in his assessment of how he sees the ex-Liverpool coach in the future – and how he does not.

For around a year, Jürgen Klopp has been responsible for all international soccer projects of the Red Bull Group as „Global Head of Soccer“. From Leipzig to New York to Salzburg, he is supposed to develop structures, support processes and set sporting guidelines. But from Uli Hoeneß’s point of view, this model does not suit Klopp’s nature – and not his strengths.

„I could never imagine him as a functionary who travels around the country, to New York, and looks after the various teams,“ Hoeneß said in the podcast and added: „I don’t think it will be a good model in the long term. I also don’t think he’ll do it forever, I can’t imagine that.“

Hoeneß is saying what many in the industry think: Klopp is a man for the training ground, not for boardrooms, presentations or strategic long-term planning far removed from the day-to-day work with a team.

Review: Klopp a topic at FC Bayern in 2008

photo: IMAGO

In the interview, Hoeneß also recalled the year 2008, when Klopp was looking for a new challenge after leaving FSV Mainz 05. At the time, the charismatic coach was also under consideration at FC Bayern – but the club opted for Jürgen Klinsmann, who later failed. Klopp, on the other hand, led Borussia Dortmund to great success and shaped BVB into one of the most exciting teams in Europe.

For Hoeneß, this development is proof of where Klopp’s strengths lie: „I have always admired Jürgen Klopp as a coach who stands on the pitch, who develops a team, who brings a team forward with his personality,“ he said.

Why Bayern did not offer Klopp a management role

One question was particularly obvious in the podcast: why did FC Bayern not offer Klopp a role in club management after he left Liverpool? Hoeneß gave a clear answer. „I see Jürgen Klopp on the pitch and nowhere else,“ the honorary president clarified.

Hoeneß thus made it clear that, in his view, Klopp can achieve the most when he works with players on a daily basis, forms a team and makes an impact through his emotionality and empathy. Working quietly in the background – even at the highest strategic level – is not what Klopp is all about.