“I Have to be Honest” – Jurgen Klopp Responds to Criticism Over New Red Bull Role | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp’s New Red Bull Role: Love for the Game or Contradiction?

In a move that has sparked widespread debate across the German football landscape, Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, has addressed his recent decision to take on the role of Head of Global Football at Red Bull. Announced in January 2025, this decision sees Klopp return to football with a position that has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly due to his past criticism of corporate influence within the sport. Speaking on Einfach mal Luppen, the podcast hosted by Toni Kroos and his brother, Felix, Klopp tackled the criticism head-on, defending his choice while acknowledging the dismay it has caused among some supporters.

Red Bull’s Football Model and German Controversy

Red Bull’s presence in German football has been contentious since the founding of RB Leipzig in 2009. Operating under the 50+1 rule, a regulation designed to keep majority control in the hands of members, Leipzig’s structure sparked criticism due to its unconventional interpretation. With fewer than 20 members, all of whom are Red Bull employees, the club has been seen as skirting the spirit of the rule, resulting in its perception as more of a corporate venture than a traditional football club. Klopp’s former clubs, Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, have been particularly vocal, with supporters and local media accusing him of contradicting his previously stated values.

Photo: IMAGO

For Klopp, a self-proclaimed “football romantic,” this move comes as a surprise. Known for championing what he calls “the traditional stuff” in the game, Klopp has openly criticised multi-club ownership in the past. With this decision, many fans feel Klopp has distanced himself from these values. But Klopp insists that his motives are grounded in his passion for the sport and a need to stay active within it, despite having stepped away from Liverpool in 2024.

“I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, absolutely not. And I love all of my former clubs,” Klopp explained. “But I don’t really know what I could have done to make everyone happy.”

Klopp Faces Backlash from Mainz and Dortmund Fans

The reaction from Mainz and Borussia Dortmund fans has been swift and harsh. When Mainz recently faced RB Leipzig, a group of ultras displayed a banner directed squarely at Klopp: “Did you forget everything we made you become?” This sentiment reflects the sense of betrayal some fans feel, especially given Klopp’s roots at Mainz, where he began his managerial journey, and Dortmund, where he led the club to two Bundesliga titles.

Photo: IMAGO

The media response has also been significant. Ruhr Nachrichten journalist Kevin Pinnow wrote that Klopp’s move was akin to “tearing down his BVB monument.” This powerful imagery captures the disillusionment among Dortmund supporters who feel that Klopp’s association with Red Bull undermines his legacy at the club.

Despite these criticisms, Klopp insists that his decision was not made lightly. Reflecting on the nature of his position at Red Bull, Klopp has made it clear that he sees this role as an advisory one, aiming to help the coaches within Red Bull’s global football network without overshadowing or disrupting their leadership.

“It was always clear, well, clear to me, that I wouldn’t do nothing. And then the Red Bull story came up. And it was an outstanding (option), and I have to be honest about that,” Klopp explained, hinting at his desire to remain relevant in the football world while contributing his experience and knowledge.

Jurgen Klopp’s Role at Red Bull: Guidance Without Interference

Klopp’s vision for his new role centres on offering support rather than interference. Describing himself as an advisor, Klopp emphasised his intent to bring a steady hand to Red Bull’s network of clubs, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls. His hope is to act as a resource for the coaches, helping them to assess situations and make sound decisions based on his extensive experience in top-flight football.

“Basically, I’m an advisor,” he told the podcast. “Hopefully I can bring calm in different ways and, in other situations, assess things correctly and help the coaches. But I just want to support, not interfere, because I know how disruptive that is. Instead, I want to pass on my experience and work in the world that I know best.”

Klopp’s insistence on a non-interventionist approach may well be an attempt to reassure critics who fear his presence might further entrench Red Bull’s commercial philosophy. Klopp’s role is set to include strategic guidance across the Red Bull football network, a responsibility he believes aligns with his career aspirations and experience. He sees this role as an opportunity to remain connected to the game without the daily demands of frontline management.

Legacy and New Chapters: Klopp’s Balancing Act

As Arne Slot steps into Klopp’s former role at Liverpool, Klopp’s new position at Red Bull represents a significant shift. After a decorated career with Liverpool, his move to Red Bull has created mixed emotions across the football community. Klopp’s connection with his former clubs—Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool—is undeniably strong, making the reaction from his previous fan bases even more poignant. While some fans feel let down, Klopp’s commitment to his new role may eventually redefine how his legacy is viewed.

The debate over Klopp’s transition from an anti-corporate football idealist to a Red Bull figurehead encapsulates the wider struggle many managers face in modern football. Balancing personal ideals with career progression, Klopp’s story reflects the realities of today’s football landscape, where traditional values are often at odds with the commercial interests shaping the sport.

In a football world driven increasingly by commercial considerations, Klopp’s move to Red Bull might be seen as a pragmatic choice for a manager who, despite having left Liverpool, is far from finished with the game.