Jurgen Klopp has found himself a new job after signing a ‘long-term’ contract to become the ‘Global Head of Soccer’ at Red Bull.
Klopp left his post as manager of Liverpool back in May after a successful nine year spell in charge, having led the club to Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
The 57-year-old had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.
However, it has now been confirmed that the ex-Liverpool boss has agreed a deal with Red Bull and will take up his new role as Global Head of Soccer on January 1.
This role will require Klopp to be responsible for the international network of all football clubs under the Red Bull umbrella – including Leipzig, Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls.
Jurgen Klopp has finally found a new job after leaving his role as Liverpool manager this year
The German has signed a ‘long-term’ deal to become the ‘Global Head of Soccer’ at Red Bull
This role will require Klopp to be responsible for the international network of all Red Bull football clubs – including Leipzig, Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls
He will be required to advise the clubs on coaching matters, playing philosophy, development and transfers of players and head coaches.
Speaking about his new role, Klopp told the Red Bull website: ‘After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this.
‘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 front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries.
‘Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more.’
Furthermore, Klopp has negotiated an exit clause that would allow him to take the German national team job – should he be approached.
It’s been widely reported in recent months that the European giants have earmarked Klopp as a potential successor to current boss Julian Nagelsmann – whose contract runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Last month, the national team’s sporting director Rudi Voller said they will go after Klopp if he decided to return to management.
Klopp insisted that he ‘could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this’
In September, Klopp stepped into the dugout as part of a testimonial for two former players
Klopp has agreed an exit clause should he be offered the German national team role – which is currently held by Julian Nagelsmann
According to Sky, Oliver Mintzlaff – the current CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull – is responsible for Klopp’s arrival.
The 49-year-old had been pushing for Klopp to be brought in for months and has now got his wish.
Prior to his new role at Red Bull, Klopp was previously identified as a potential candidate to replace Gregg Berhalter as manager of the USA national team – before Mauricio Pochettino took up the role.
In September, Klopp stepped back into the dugout as part of a testimonial to honour two of his former players, Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Klopp took charge of Blaszczykowski’s side for the testimonial, and put some of his former players through their paces in a training session.
Earlier this summer he appeared to claim that it is unlikely that he would return to management at the top level but would consider a job in football after his sabbatical.
Asked how he has been filling his time since leaving management Klopp replied: ‘I’m working, but not as much as I used to.
‘I’m not just doing nothing, but sometimes I am. I don’t miss anything!’
In January, Klopp shocked the football world when he revealed his decision to leave Liverpool
Klopp turned Liverpool into a European powerhouse over the last decade, winning seven trophies – including the Champions League in 2019
Klopp bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool back in May, as he dramatically called an end to his nine-year stint with the Merseyside giants.
He announced his decision to leave via a bombshell interview in January, where the German boss claimed he was ‘running out of energy’ after winning the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at Anfield.
‘I will leave the club at the end of the season,’ he said. ‘I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
‘It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again’.
The German boss left his role in charge of the club after their final Premier League game of the campaign on May 19 – but returned to the city for ‘An Evening With Jurgen Klopp’ – an event at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.
Klopp was visibly moved by the tribute from Reds fans, as they sang in the event whilst saying goodbye to the 56-year-old, who left after nine years on the touchline.
Video footage shared on X showed Klopp overwhelmed by emotion as he took in the raucous noise of the crowd, who had just viewed an emotional montage of the his time at Liverpool.
The German boss, who left the club after almost nine years, addressed fans at an arena event
There was a significant outpouring of emotion, as the German wiped away his tears and took in the incredible response he received from supporters.
He then stood up and put his hand on his heart to acknowledge the support, before giving his famous fist pumps that he so often did while celebrating big victories as Liverpool manager.
When proceedings got underway at the arena, Klopp told the Liverpool faithful that his decision to join the club back in 2015 was the second best decision of his life.
‘Aside from marrying Ulla, joining Liverpool was the best decision of my life,’ Klopp told the crowd.
