Jürgen Klopp has doubled-down on his decision to move to the Red Bull Group in 2025 amid criticism from fans of his former clubs, Kicker reports.
It was announced last month that Klopp would take up the role of Head of Global Soccer at the Red Bull Group working with the various Red Bull franchise football teams across the world.
Starting on January 1st 2025, Klopp will earn around €10m-€12m for his duties but the move to Red Bull has disappointed fans across the footballing world, especially those of clubs who Klopp has previously managed.
When his former club Mainz 05 played RB Leipzig the week after the announcement, fans led protests against Klopp and his decision. Banners touched on their disappointment and asked Klopp not to forget his roots and abandon them for a franchise which goes against German football traditions.
Speaking on Toni Kroos’ podcast, Klopp defended his stance and the Red Bull model overall:
“It must be said clearly that I have never followed the Red Bull story so critically.”
Klopp went on to discuss RB Leipzig and their ability to attract players to their system and develop them as professionals. He spoke of “club legends” Willi Orban, Kevin Kampl and Yussuf Poulsen as well as talents such as Christopher Nkunku and Dayot Upamecano.
Summing up the Red Bull system, Klopp simple said:
“That’s just the way it is.”
Acknowledging some people’s disappointment, the former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool boss explained:
“I certainly didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. And I personally love all my former clubs. I don’t know exactly what I could have done so that everyone would have been happy .”
Regardless, the 57-year-old still sees the job at Red Bull as an exciting task:
“It was always clear, well, it was clear to me, that I wasn’t going to do nothing at all. And that’s when the Red Bull story came up. So for me it’s outstanding I have to be honest.”
GGFN | Jamie Allen
