Jurgen Klopp\u2019s departure from Liverpool in June 2024 ended a transformative era. Arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2015, he revived the club, leading them to the 2019 Champions League and their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020. Over nine years, Klopp also secured the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, restoring pride and identity to a storied club.
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Rather than stepping into another dugout, the 58-year-old German made a surprising move in January 2025: he became the Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull<\/strong>. This shift has given him a new perspective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to work as a coach anymore. That\u2019s what I think \u2014 but you don\u2019t know,\u201d Klopp told The Athletic<\/em>. For Klopp, stepping away from the intensity of day-to-day management has opened doors to experiences he missed for decades. \u201cIn almost 25 years, I went to a wedding twice \u2014 one of them was mine, the other two months ago. I went to the cinema only four times \u2014 all in the last eight weeks. As a coach I visited many countries, but I saw nothing but hotels, stadiums, and training grounds. I didn\u2019t miss it then, but now I realize I did.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The former Mainz and Dortmund boss now enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family \u2014 including his grandchildren \u2014 without the relentless demands of elite football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Klopp\u2019s choice to join Red Bull has drawn criticism in Germany, where the company\u2019s involvement in football remains controversial due to the Bundesliga\u2019s 50+1 ownership rule<\/strong>. \u201cI knew it would come. I\u2019m German \u2014 I know what people think about Red Bull in football. They love the brand in all other areas, but in football, not so much. That\u2019s fine. Everyone can think what they want. I do what I believe is right, as long as I don\u2019t harm anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n He also highlighted that Liverpool fans have largely welcomed his decision because he is not coaching a rival club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Klopp admits he is far less attached to the weekly rhythm of football now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI watched some Liverpool games, but I wasn\u2019t in \u2018It\u2019s Saturday!\u2019 mode. I didn\u2019t even know when games started. We enjoyed life, spent time outdoors, played sports \u2014 completely normal things.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Although distant from coaching, he still keeps a watchful eye on the game, providing strategic advice for Red Bull clubs and occasionally attending training sessions \u2014 but often leaving early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t have to see the last bit. I did it my whole life. I\u2019m still in football, still learning every day, but I don\u2019t miss the touchline.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Klopp shared a light-hearted comparison with his former rival Pep Guardiola, reflecting on their years of duels in the Bundesliga and Premier League:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know how most managers live \u2014 all-in for the job. You can\u2019t succeed otherwise. But Pep improved his golf handicap with age! I didn\u2019t have a minute for golf. That\u2019s why he\u2019s a genius and I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The remark reflects both admiration and humor \u2014 a reminder of how relentless Klopp\u2019s own approach to coaching had been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liverpool fans had braced themselves for a difficult transition after Klopp\u2019s exit. Instead, Dutch manager Arne Slot<\/strong> delivered the Premier League title in his debut season and has kept the team competitive in 2025\/26. \u201cLiverpool play a very offensive style \u2014 really good. But do they take the risk of being exposed sometimes? That\u2019s for the manager to decide. I\u2019m not the pope of football \u2014 at least not outside the Red Bull world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n His words came after Liverpool\u2019s dramatic start to the new season \u2014 a string of late winners before suffering a 97th-minute defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield, courtesy of Eddie Nketiah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Down below you can see the official post from @fabriziorom<\/a> on Instagram:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this strategic role, Klopp oversees football development across clubs such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, Bragantino, New York Red Bulls, and even Paris FC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m 58. If I start again at 65, everyone will say: \u2018You said you would never do it again!\u2019 Sorry \u2014 I thought 100 percent when I said it. I don\u2019t miss anything.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nA Life Rediscovered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
He reflected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Addressing Criticism Over Red Bull Role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The former Liverpool manager responded calmly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Watching Football from Afar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Comparing Himself to Guardiola<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Thoughts on Liverpool\u2019s New Era Under Arne Slot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Klopp expressed happiness with Liverpool\u2019s progress but also offered a gentle warning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n