Jürgen Klopp has officially stepped off the coaching sidelines to take on the role of Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, marking a significant shift in his career. During his inaugural press conference held at the iconic Hangar 7 in Salzburg, Austria, Klopp affirmed his commitment to influencing football across various clubs under the Red Bull umbrella.
This new appointment, effective January 1, 2025, positions Klopp to guide teams, including RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls, without taking on head coaching responsibilities himself. “I will not be the coach of any Red Bull team,” he stated assertively, adding, “We all know where we might be in two, three, or five years, but I hope to create a structure so this question will not arise.”
The event drew around 200 journalists, highlighting the substantial interest surrounding his move. Klopp, 57, underscored his intentions clearly, saying, “I want to contribute, to create value. I saw last week I can do this.” His background, including successful stints at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, will serve as valuable assets as he helps develop strategies for Red Bull’s affiliates.
Klopp’s history of elevational progression made him an attractive candidate for this advisory role. He emphasized his previous experience, highlighting how he transformed both Mainz and Dortmund by reshaping their structures and cultures: “At Mainz, I worked with people on improving the club, and by the time I left for Dortmund, it was a completely different club.”
His role is not intended to interfere with day-to-day operations; rather, he envisioned spearheading initiatives and offering support to current coaches. Klopp acknowledged his existing rapport with RB Leipzig's current coach, Marco Rose, remarking, “The fact I know Marco well will help our cooperation.”
During the press conference, Klopp made clear his ambitions for the teams involved with Red Bull, explaining, “We want to be the best we can at each club.” When pressed about targets, he remained non-specific but reiterated the focus on improving football quality across the board.
Klopp’s passion for football remains evident. He reflected fondly on attending his first match at Red Bull Arena, where he was impressed with the fervor of the supporters, stating, “I saw 47,000 supporters there, and 42,000 of them were supporting Leipzig, and I thought: ‘Do they not deserve good football?’” His heartfelt sentiments underline his goal to uplift clubs and their communities.
Despite questions about whether he might return to coaching, Klopp firmly dismissed any such notions, directing attention back to his advisory role, which he considers to be of significant importance. “There isn’t one plan for every team,” he noted, as he anticipates developing individual strategies suited to each club within the Red Bull structure.
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO, who shared the stage with Klopp, expressed hopes for a substantial impact on performance, stating, “This feeling of being able to contribute has been what we lacked.” He noted Klopp’s prominence may inject much-needed expertise across their footballing ventures.
Looking forward, Klopp aims to leverage insights gained from Red Bull’s broad athletic portfolio, which spans various sports from motorsport to ice hockey. He likened his position to being “Doctor Football,” emphasizing his eagerness to help wherever possible. His approach combines strategy with empathy, ensuring he remains connected to the joys of the game.
With the spotlight now on Klopp, the football world watches with anticipation to see how his vision takes shape within Red Bull's ambitious framework. The former Liverpool coach’s leadership may well usher in another transformative era for the conglomerate, as he seeks to bridge his vast experience with fresh strategies to empower teams dedicated to cultivating high-quality football.