Jurgen Klopp Reveals Why He Doesn’t Miss Coaching, Shares Concerns for Football, and Embraces New Role at Red Bull on The Athletic
Jurgen Klopp Reflects on Life After Liverpool and Embraces New Role with Red Bull
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager known for his charismatic personality and transformative impact on the team, has recently shared insights into his new role and life after an impactful nine-year tenure at Anfield. Since leaving the club in the summer of 2024, Klopp has made a notable transition from front-line coaching to a global leadership position at Red Bull, where he brings his considerable expertise in soccer management to a broader stage.
Life After Liverpool: A New Chapter for Klopp
In a candid interview with El-Balad, Klopp expressed that he misses “nothing” about his previous life as an on-pitch coach. With a laugh, he affirmed his current contentment, saying, “I was super happy with the way Liverpool performed. I watched some games, but it is not like, ‘Oh, it’s Saturday!'” After stepping away from the high-pressure environment of Premier League coaching, Klopp has taken the time to enjoy life outside of football, engaging in activities like spending quality time with family and participating in sports.
Transition to Global Leadership at Red Bull
In January, Klopp began his role as the global head of soccer at Red Bull, where he focuses on playing philosophy, coaching development, and transfer strategy across the multinational energy drink conglomerate’s soccer ventures. Red Bull operates several clubs globally, including RB Leipzig in Germany, Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, and the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Speaking from the training facility of the New York Red Bulls, Klopp highlighted the differences between his current position and his past coaching roles. He affectionately noted that working in a corporate environment poses its own set of challenges, saying that he often has to navigate through “five million different people” to accomplish tasks. Despite the occasional frustrations, Klopp seems to relish this new experience of learning and adapting.
Klopp’s Expansive Vision for Red Bull Soccer
Klopp’s role involves overseeing various aspects of club operations, including player transfers and coaching appointments. He actively engages in discussions about talent acquisition and strategy, leveraging his vast experience to help build competitive teams. “We are not the final destination,” he said, alluding to the club’s philosophy of developing and selling players to sustain success while climbing the football hierarchy.
Embracing Change and Personal Growth
Reflecting on his extensive career, Klopp acknowledged both the triumphs and setbacks. “I lost more Champions League finals than most people play,” he quipped, sharing his belief that his experiences have fueled personal growth. He is now focusing on fostering meaningful relationships within Red Bull Sports, offering his insights to coaches and executives navigating their challenges.
Rethinking Player Welfare in Modern Football
Klopp has also been vocal about player welfare, criticizing the relentless demands placed on athletes in today’s high-competition environment. In his interview, he questioned the logic behind scheduling more tournaments without considering the physical toll on players, advocating for better conditions. “At one point, we have to take care of the few people this game would not exist without: the players,” he emphasized.
Final Thoughts on Coaching Legacy
As he looks to the future, Klopp’s commitment to soccer remains strong, despite stepping away from traditional coaching. His experience at the highest levels of football and ongoing involvement with Red Bull positions him as a mentor and innovator in the sport. He embodies a refreshing approach, encouraging open dialogues around the game’s current trajectory while being adaptable to change.
Jurgen Klopp’s new path showcases how he can influence the game’s future beyond the touchline, demonstrating that a former coach can still play a pivotal role in the world of soccer management. As he continues to lead and inspire, the football community eagerly watches his journey unfold.
