Jurgen Klopp forced to release statement on Instagram amid fan backlash to taking Red Bull role
Jurgen Klopp has released a statement having received backlash for his decision to move to Red Bull as their 'Global Head of Soccer'.
The 57-year-old has been enjoying a break and spending time with his family after a stunning nine-year run at Liverpool.
However, on Wednesday morning, it was confirmed that the Klopp had taken on a new role.
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As of January 2025, he will act as an advisor to Red Bull - overseeing the company's esteemed international network of clubs like RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg.
Although it is not a day-to-day job, Klopp will lead the strategy when it comes to coaching, player development and recruitment.
He has penned a long-term contract and his deal is believed to include an exit clause for the Germany national team job.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss was convinced by Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull.
But he has been accused of destroying his legacy by members of the media in Germany, with some calling the news "a dagger in the heart for football romantics" and claiming Klopp "sold out on everything he stood for all these years".
Klopp has commented on his official Instagram page, addressing his followers.
In a video which did not have comments turned on, he said: "Some of you might have heard already, some of you haven't, from 1 January 2025 I will be head of Global Soccer of Red Bull.
"Really looking forward to that. A few months ago I said I don't see myself on the sideline anymore and it is still the case.
"But I still love football and working and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that.
"I want to share my experience which I collected over the years and we all know there are more successful managers out there.
"In my career I fought for promotion, fought against relegation and fought for titles and trophies. Sometimes we failed and sometimes we succeeded and dealing with that is not easy.
"I want to learn again because when you're in the job and you have to play every three days, you barely have time for that.
"And now I have time and I have opportunity. And I want to see and figure out what is useful for football - developing football a little bit as well.
"Really looking forward to it but now I go back on holiday. See you in January."
Klopp will be officially unveiled in his new role at a press conference in mid-January, Red Bull say.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Germany, RB Leipzig, Liverpool
Josh Lawless