Football manager Jürgen Klopp admits he can’t wait to learn from four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Renowned for his ability to revitalize football teams, the 57-year-old German resigned from Liverpool FC after the 2024 season.
On Tuesday, he was introduced as Red Bull’s “Global Head of Soccer” in Austria, overseeing the energy drink brand’s clubs such as RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls and others.
Red Bull F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he wants to harness Klopp’s skills to help Red Bull Racing, Racing Bulls and the junior driver programme.
“I would like him to be involved with the drivers. His experience and leadership could be decisive.”
When asked about it, Klopp admitted he was particularly keen to meet Verstappen.
“There is so much to say. Not only because of its focus, but also because of many other aspects.”
“I would like to spend time with him, to understand how he can do what he does, when danger lurks and he is driving at 300 km/h or in a 180 degree turn. He does everything this, fiddles with his buttons on the wheel, and his state of mind is still at his best.”
-“This is super interesting. I have no idea how this works, so maybe he can explain it to me.”
However, Klopp has made it clear that his current role will remain completely focused on football.
“I’m not going to become a coach in a Red Bull team, that’s a clear choice. I can assure you that. But I’m the only person in this room who is asked what I’ll be doing in four years. Nobody has any idea.”
“But yes, I always want to learn, also from other sports. Drivers are always at their best when it is most dangerous, so go ahead, give me that information and I will try to translate it for football .”
Verstappen said Klopp’s arrival at Red Bull was good news.
“He has a lot of experience. I think his arrival is very good news for the brand. With all the experience he has, he can bring a lot of good to the organization.”
