Jürgen Klopp is the Red Bull Head of Global Soccer
A role that closes the possibilities of seeing him again on the bench
October 9th, 2024
Despite numerous rumors of his return to a coaching position in Europe or the United States, Jurgen Klopp was announced today as the new Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull. This role confirms the always contemporary and cutting-edge vision of the German coach, who left Liverpool last summer after nine years of great success. Starting January 1, 2025, Klopp will be responsible for leading the extensive network of football clubs associated with the Red Bull brand, creating a strategic vision, assisting sporting directors, supporting global scouting operations, and contributing to the training and development of coaches. Red Bull has been heavily involved in professional football for several seasons, thanks to direct sponsorship of various clubs around the world, including Leipzig in Europe, the New York Red Bulls in the United States, and Bragantino in Brazil. The Salzburg club, coached by former Klopp assistant Pep Lijnders, has been separated due to UEFA regulations and now only retains the naming rights.
"After almost 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn't be more excited to be part of a project like this," Klopp stated. "The role may have changed, but my passion for soccer and the people who make the game what it is has not changed." Klopp began his coaching career at Mainz, then moved to Borussia Dortmund where he won two Bundesliga titles (2011, 2012), and finally to Liverpool, where in 2020 he managed to win the first Premier League title in over 30 years and the 2019 Champions League. His playing style has often been associated with the German school, which in turn has been influenced by the work of Red Bull-sponsored teams characterized by the philosophy of gegenpressing, high pressing without the ball, and extreme verticality. The focus of Red Bull's football projects is centered on developing young emerging talents, placing them in a highly professional environment before selling them for profit to more prestigious teams.
This strategy has provoked reactions of varying nature, with some appreciating the branding and scouting methods of the energy drink brand, and others opposing the transformation of various teams under the Red Bull umbrella, which tends to erase the club's previous history, from its crest to its fans. "By entering Red Bull globally, I want to develop, improve, and support the incredible soccer talent we have at our disposal. There are many ways to do this, from utilizing the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and industries. Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for Red Bull coaches and club executives, but ultimately I am part of a unique, innovative, and future-oriented organization. As I said, I couldn't be more excited," Klopp concluded.