Big surprise: Klopp becomes head of football at Red Bull

New job: Jürgen Klopp joins Red Bull as head of football.
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Within a week, Jürgen Klopp was able to celebrate two honors: On Tuesday he was awarded the Order of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg for his social commitment outside of sport and his work against racism. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier had previously presented him with the Federal Cross of Merit.

On Wednesday his return to professional football became official. As Red Bull announced, Klopp will be the group’s new Head of Global Soccer. He will start his new job on January 1, 2025.

After nearly 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn’t be more excited to be involved in a project like this.

Klopp resigned from his coaching position at Liverpool FC last summer after nine years. As a result, the Stuttgart player announced a “long break” – and ruled out a quick return to the coaching bench.

“After almost 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn’t be more excited to be involved in a project like this,” Klopp is quoted by Red Bull as saying: “The role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who Making football what it is has not changed. By joining Red Bull on a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent we have at our disposal.”

Football romantic Klopp and Red Bull – how does that fit together?

Boom! Jürgen Klopp will be head of football at Red Bull from January. But how do the coaching legend and the company fit together? What will his new task be and what are the chances that Klopp could become national coach? Kicker editor-in-chief Jörg Jakob classifies this.

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Klopp wants to “use Red Bull’s knowledge and experience and learn from other sports and other industries.” He mainly sees his role as acting “as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs”. He is expressly “not involved in the day-to-day business” of the clubs.

From Leipzig to Japan

In addition to RB Leipzig and Salzburg, the New York Red Bulls, RB Bragantino (Brazil) and Omiya Ardija (Japan) also belong to the RB universe. The Austrian beverage company also acquired shares in the English second division club Leeds United last May.

Klopp reiterated that “nothing could excite him more.” He will be officially introduced in his new position at a press conference in mid-January 2025 – there is no exact date yet.