Jurgen Klopp Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has embarked on a new journey with Red Bull, five months after departing from Liverpool. This decision has stirred mixed emotions among fans, particularly those of Borussia Dortmund. Although some supporters are disappointed, the club’s CEO has expressed his well-wishes for Klopp in his new role. Klopp, aged 57, cited a lack of energy as his primary reason for leaving Liverpool. He is now preparing to influence the next generation of football talent at Red Bull, which owns clubs like RB Leipzig, Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Bragantino in Brazil. His move, however, has sparked controversy in Germany due to Red Bull’s adherence to a different ownership model that bypassed the Bundesliga’s traditional 50+1 rule when acquiring SSV Markranstadt in 2009.
Despite the debate, Borussia Dortmund’s Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke offered his support.
Hans-Joachim Watzke said, “For me, it was no surprise because we had spoken about it personally. I wish Jurgen, as always, good luck with his new job.”
Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp had previously criticized the multi-club ownership model popularized by Red Bull. Reflecting on his new role,
Jurgen Klopp said, “I’m a football romantic and I like tradition in football and all that stuff. The role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. There are many ways that we can do this from using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries. Together we can discover what’s possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I’m one part of an organisation that’s unique, innovative and forward looking and, as I said, this could not excite me more.”
This new chapter for Klopp offers the potential for growth and innovation within the Red Bull organization, despite the complexities and debates surrounding multi-club ownership structures.
