Jürgen Klopp appointed Red Bull's new Head of Global Soccer
Former Borussia Dortmund, Mainz and Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp has ended his sabbatical to become Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer from 1 January 2025. The 57-year-old will lead the company's international network of football clubs, including Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
From the start of next year, Klopp will step into a new and unfamiliar role. While he will not be active in the day-to-day-running of the clubs, he will instead be in charge of the overall footballing strategy, Red Bull have announced. He will primarily be responsible for helping those at the helm at each respective outfit further develop the company's philosophy and will also assist with scouting and educating coaches.
"After 25 years in the dugout, I couldn't be more excited to be involved in a project like this. The position may be different, but my passion for football and those who make it all possible is the same," Klopp said upon the announcement. "By joining Red Bull on a global level, I want to develop, enhance and support the incredible football talent that is available to us."
"There are many ways we can do this, using Red Bull's knowledge and experience while also learning from other sports and industries. Together, we will see what is possible. First and foremost, I see myself as a mentor to the coaches and management of each Red Bull club, but ultimately I am part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward-thinking. As I said, nothing could excite me more."
Watch: Jürgen Klopp on RB Leipzig in 2022
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From Mainz to Liverpool
Klopp ended his nine-year stint as Liverpool head coach this past summer. The former defender won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the English Premier League a year later on Merseyside. The Stuttgart native also enjoyed plenty of success in the Bundesliga, winning back-to-back league titles with Dortmund in 2011 and 2012 during a seven-year spell. The first stop of his managerial career, though, came at Mainz, with whom he spent 11 years with as a player before taking them the top tier for the first time in 2004 after being appointed as coach.
Indirectly, at least, Klopp is returning to the Bundesliga given Leipzig are one of the sides under his remit. "By signing Jürgen, Red Bull has brought in one of the absolute best in his field," said Marcel Schäfer, Leipzig's sporting director. "He brings with him an incredible amount of experience, knows how to achieve success and will also help us in Leipzig in his role. We are all very much looking forward to working together and exchanging ideas!"
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull's CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, was also enthusiastic. "We are very proud of this appointment, which is the best in Red Bull's football history. Jürgen is one of the greatest and most influential personalities in the entire sport and has extraordinary skills and charisma to match," the former Leipzig managing director said.
Watch: Jürgen Klopp's Bundesliga 2 journey
"In role as Head of Global Soccer, he is something of a game-changer for our commitments in international football and their constant development. We hope to gain valuable and decisive contributions in the key areas to make the clubs even better overall and individually."
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