Klopp Defends New Red Bull Global Soccer Role Amidst Criticism

Jurgen Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first English top-flight title in 30 years, has defended his decision to become head of global soccer at Red Bull, explaining the difficulty of taking a job where “everyone is happy”. The German manager, who departed Liverpool at the conclusion of last season, has faced significant criticism for joining Red Bull, particularly from supporters of his former club, Borussia Dortmund. Red Bull sparked controversy in German football in 2009 when it acquired fifth-division club SSV Markranstadt and transformed it into RB Leipzig. The Austrian company also owns Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino, and recently purchased a stake in Leeds United. While not technically owning RB Leipzig, it provides financial backing to the Bundesliga team, which has been labeled the “most hated club in Germany” and has been the target of consistent protests from opposing fans. These protests have ranged from boycotting games to the arrest of 28 Dortmund fans in 2017 for throwing cans and stones at rival supporters. Speaking on the podcast hosted by Toni Kroos, the former Germany, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid midfielder, Klopp stated: “You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be.” He continued, “I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.” Klopp further explained his rationale, saying, “I am 57 and can still work a few more years, but I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was clear for me that I would do something – so then Red Bull came.” Klopp also mentioned that he had never perceived Red Bull’s involvement in football “so critically” and described his upcoming role, set to commence in January, as a “fantastic” opportunity. He dismissed the criticism from German football supporters as “not hugely relevant to me”. He elaborated, stating, “I can’t poll the fans and ask them, ‘what should I do?’ If I had gone to Bayern [Munich], there would have been a huge outcry in Dortmund.” Klopp then posed the question, “What should I do? I want to keep working. If you organise your life around trying to please everyone, you’ll find you fail every day.” Furthermore, Klopp reaffirmed that he does not envision a return to coaching, including at the international level with Germany. He concluded by saying, “My only real option would have been to become a coach of a national side, but I don’t want to be a coach any more.”