alex ferguson and Jurgen klopp
Paris FC has successfully secured the services of promising midfielder Zabi, outmaneuvering Manchester United and other Premier League clubs, including Bournemouth and Newcastle United. The young talent, who has garnered attention from Italian giants Fiorentina, Inter, and AC Milan, was reportedly swayed by the influence of Jurgen Klopp. The former Liverpool manager, now in an advisory role with Paris FC, played a pivotal part in the transfer negotiations. Zabi, who made his senior debut last February, has already made 24 first-team appearances, scoring twice and providing three assists.
Jurgen Klopp said: “I love it. I love being part of it, not in the middle of it. I don’t want to be somewhere else. I learned a lot in the last year. I went to business plan meetings – so many words I’ve never heard before in my life!”
He also told The Athletic: “When I started this job, nobody really had an idea of how it would look. It was the same for me. I’m Jurgen Klopp, but I had no clue what that meant, to be honest. I’m pretty sure a lot of people thought: he wants to have an easy time, not coach anymore, travel a bit – stuff like that – but I know myself well enough to understand that I would not be happy like that.”
Klopp outlined his position: “It’s an advisory role, but with power. But I’m not a person who shoots from far away. So that means I listen and rely a lot on the people at the clubs. I calm things down in some moments, and make decisions in others.”
Paris FC, positioned near Paris Saint-Germain, was acquired by the Arnault family in 2024, who were ranked as the world’s wealthiest billionaires at the time. The acquisition included a minority stake for Red Bull, with Klopp overseeing global football operations. His role involves advising on the club’s worldwide expansion and growth. This strategic move has already begun to bear fruit with the acquisition of Zabi, who is expected to bolster the team’s midfield. Klopp’s transition from the touchline to a broader football advisory role seems to be a seamless one, as he embraces the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
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