Jurgen Klopp agrees first role since Liverpool exit

Jurgen Klopp has been out of work since leaving Liverpool at the end of last season, but the German is set to return to the footballing world in a new role

Jurgen Klopp has made a sensational return to football as Red Bull's new 'Global Head of Soccer'. The former Liverpool boss, who left Anfield last summer after a trophy-laden spell, will advise Red Bull on their network of teams around the globe from January 1.

It's also suggested that Klopp has an exit clause in his contract which could see him take up the reins as Germany manager in the future. Despite being linked with numerous high-profile managerial roles since leaving Liverpool, Klopp has remained coy about his future plans, hinting at a possible break from football.

Jurgen Klopp had stated in July that he had no job offers and wasn't considering a coaching role at the time, saying: "At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country. A few people must not have heard this part. And it would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if you said, 'I'll make an exception for you now'."

He added that he wanted to stay active, but wasn't sure what the future held: "I'm going to do some work. I'm too young to only do padel tennis and grandchildren. Will that be coaching again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let's see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment."

Speaking about the new role, Klopp said: “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this. The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries. Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more.”

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull stated: “We are very proud of this outstanding and certainly the strongest signing in Red Bull's soccer history. Jürgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma. In his role as Head of Soccer, he will be a game changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development. We are hoping for valuable and decisive impulses in key areas to make the clubs even better, both collectively and individually.”

Jürgen Klopp will be formally announced as the Global Head of Soccer at a press conference in mid-January 2025, following his assumption of the role on January 1. The specific date and time of the event will be provided in advance. We kindly ask that you refrain from making further inquiries or interview requests until that time.