Ahead of the Klassiker against Bayern: Jürgen Klopp angers Dortmund fans | OneFootball

RB Leipzig is – to put it mildly – unpopular among many fans. Therefore, Jürgen Klopp's involvement with the Saxons is met with little understanding. Now, the 58-year-old Global Head of Soccer is clashing with the supporters of his former club.

Klopp's successes with Borussia Dortmund are undisputed. He led the Black and Yellows to success and brought the championship trophy to Borsigplatz – twice. When he left in 2015, many tears were shed. An era ended.

That the Stuttgart native joined FC Liverpool a few months later was something almost every BVB fan could understand. After all, Anfield is still considered one of the top addresses in football.

After leaving the Reds at the end of the 2023/24 season, Klopp took a few months off before taking on the role of Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull. "I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs," Klopp defined his responsibilities.

His involvement specifically in Leipzig triggered a strong backlash among Dortmund fan circles. "Jürgen Klopp never loved football. Jürgen Klopp is just a good speaker and marketing expert who knows how to sell himself. Now he has revealed his true colors. One that hopefully won't be seen in Dortmund again anytime soon," complained the fan portal schwatzgelb.de in October 2024.

"Sold his soul?"

The anger has not subsided. On the contrary, Klopp reignited it with a remark in a conversation with RTL/n-tv/sport.de. The former football coach and current official stated verbatim: "I basically want Dortmund to always win – except, of course, when they play against Leipzig."

On Instagram, there are quite a few critical comments ranging from "sold his soul" to "Sad what he has become." Others defend him: "What is he supposed to say, he has the Red Bull cap on his head. It's his employer."

What is completely forgotten is that his statement is related to the upcoming classic between BVB and FC Bayern Munich (October 18, 6:30 PM). He said he couldn't watch the duel "neutrally" and left no doubt about his preference: "I want Dortmund to win."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.