Vienna – German coach Jürgen Klopp was presented on Tuesday in Salzburg as ‘Global Football Director for Red Bull’, the energy drink brand which owns and sponsors clubs across Europe, America and the Asia. He clarified that his role will be that of advisor and that he will never replace a head coach.
At 57, Klopp occupies a strategic position within the football conglomerate, which includes clubs in Germany (Leipzig), Austria (Salzburg), the United States (New York), France (Paris FC), as well as in Brazil and Japan, among other places.
“I want to bring real value, and in recent weeks I have realized that I can do that,” Klopp said, emphasizing that he will not get involved in the day-to-day running of any team, but will instead act as advisor and guide for the conglomerate’s coaches and sports directors.
“I’m not going to coach a Red Bull club. That’s clear. I won’t replace any coach of a Red Bull club. And I hope we can build a structure where this question doesn’t even arise,” he said. he assured.
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The German, who spent almost a decade at Liverpool, where he won the Champions League in 2019 and the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020, said this new phase is ideal for him.
“It’s a different role. I’ve always said that I love what I do. But after a thousand matches and press conferences, I wanted something new, a new opportunity,” explained the coach.
Klopp stressed that his new role allows him to detach himself from everyday life, describing his role as that of an advisor capable of influencing the conglomerate’s footballing culture.
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“I see myself as a consultant. And a good consultant is part of a decision because his advice is accepted and taken seriously,” he noted.
His decision to join Red Bull has not been without criticism, especially in Germany, where the energy drink giant is under fire for buying clubs and erasing their history with a check.
According to German television channel Sky, Klopp has signed a long-term contract with an annual salary of between 10 and 12 million euros.
Klopp expressed his appreciation for the brand’s support for the sport and the commitment and passion he saw from all the Austrian group’s staff.
“On Sunday I was in Leipzig. There were about 42,000 people in the stadium. And I asked myself: Don’t they deserve good football? And I thought: Of course they deserve it .And this also applies to New York, Japan and other places. There are more important things in life than football. But football can accomplish a lot. clubs,” pleaded Klopp.
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He added: “I’m a football doctor. And no doctor would say to a patient, ‘You come from the wrong place. I’m not going to treat you.’”
“But money decides in football, definitely, although there is still room for better decisions, better talents, clearer paths. However, in the long term, the teams with the most money will win probably; it’s clear,” admitted Klopp.
The former Borussia Dortmund coach began his tenure by visiting Paris and Leipzig, accompanied by former Germany international Mario Gómez, who is Red Bull’s technical director of football.
Klopp noted that he aims to maintain the legacy of attacking, vertical football left by figures such as Germany’s Ralf Rangnick, the current coach of Austria, and stressed the importance of hard work to achieve objectives.
“I have never been in the favorite clubs, but my teams have always given everything,” said the coach.
For Klopp, this type of play, vertical, with high and offensive pressing, is the trademark of Red Bull clubs. EFE/ir
