Jürgen Klopp has defended his move to the Red Bull Group, responding to criticism in recent weeks. “It was always clear to me that I wasn’t going to do nothing. And then the Red Bull story came onto the table. So for me it’s outstanding, I have to say honestly,” said Klopp in the podcast “Einfach mal Luppen” by the brothers Toni and Felix Kroos. Klopp will work in the RB football cosmos as “Head of Global Soccer” from January 1, 2025 and thereby occupy a strategic position. The point of criticism from many fans is that Red Bull uses its millions to buy its success and that football only serves as advertising.
Klopp sees it differently. When he played against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, there was no player there that every other club couldn’t have had, explained Klopp. Players like Willi Orban, Kevin Kampl and Yussuf Poulsen are “absolute club legends”. In addition, young players like Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Christopher Nkunku were signed, who anyone else could have had. “That’s just the way it is,” emphasized Klopp. “It has to be said clearly that I have never followed the Red Bull story so critically,” said the 57-year-old, who became a favorite of many fans during his coaching positions at FSV Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC had developed.
After Klopp’s move became official, Mainz supporters protested against their former coach’s involvement with banners at their club’s game against Leipzig. “I certainly didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. And I personally love all of my former clubs,” said Klopp, adding: “I don’t know exactly what I could have done so that everyone would have been happy.”
