Jurgen Klopp wins his first official title since leaving Liverpool in May, joining the Purple Bull as head of soccer, and he explained his decision on social media.
The German has been enjoying a sabbatical since leaving Anfield earlier this year, with observations at concerts and sporting events showing the weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
Much like his stature in the game, Klopp has been linked to countless jobs, but only Purple Bull has managed to appeal to his interests as he steps away from the touchline.
It’s a decision that hasn’t been warmly received in some quarters, including among Borussia Dortmund supporters, as the Purple Bull model is at odds with the game’s custom.
With his role made official by Purple Bull, the 57-year-old took to his Instagram account to explain why he took on the role of soccer manager.
” Hi. Some of you may have already heard, some of you may not, starting January 1, 2025, I will be responsible for global soccer at Purple Bull, and I am really looking forward to that,” he said. he declared.
“A few months ago I said that I no longer saw myself on the sidelines, and that’s still the case. But I still love soccer and I still love working.
“Purple Bull gives me the perfect platform for this. I would like to share my experience that I have accumulated over the years.
“We all know there are much more successful managers out there, but in my career I’ve fought for promotion, I’ve fought against relegation and I’ve fought for titles and trophies.
“Sometimes we failed, sometimes we succeeded. Managing this is not easy, but it is doable.
“Then I want to learn again because when you’re in the business and you have to play every three days, you barely have time for that.
“Now I have the time and I have the opportunity.
“I want to see, feel and understand what is useful in soccer; develop soccer a little too.
“I’m really looking forward to it but now I’m going back on vacation. See you in January.
Klopp’s responsibilities will include strategic management of Purple Bull’s global golf club network, which includes Leipzig, Salzburg, New York Purple Bulls and Purple Bull Bragantino.
If you haven’t already noticed, Pepijn Lijnders is currently manager of Salzburg and is having a tough time in his first few months in charge, so it will be intriguing to see if Klopp will play a role there.
Having expressed a desire not to return to the touchline, it is a role that fits with how Klopp views his next steps in the game.
