October 31 – Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to head up Red Bull’s group of clubs, saying he “didn’t want to step on anybody’s toes” and that it was difficult to take a job where “everyone is happy”.
The former Liverpool manager signed a long-term contract and will start his new role on January 1 when he will be responsible for helping to manage Red Bull’s entire international network of clubs.
The German has received a barrage of criticism for joining Red Bull – especially among fans of his former club Borussia Dortmund.
In 2009, Red Bull caused widespread discontent in Germany when it took over then fifth-division SSV Markranstadt and turned the club into RB Leipzig.
The Austrian company also owns Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino and recently acquired a stake in Leeds United.
While not technically owning RB Leipzig, it is also financing the Bundesliga team, who have been branded the “most hated club in Germany” and faced regular protests by resentful opposition fans who view the club as a classic example of buying your way to success.
Speaking on the podcast of former Germany, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, Klopp said: “You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be.
“I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.
“I can’t poll the fans and ask them, ‘what should I do?’ If I had gone to Bayern [Munich], there would have been a huge outcry in Dortmund,” he added.
“What should I do? I want to keep working. If you organise your life around trying to please everyone, you’ll find you fail every day.”
Klopp also reiterated he did not see himself making a return to management, even at international level with Germany.
“My only real option would have been to become a coach of a national side, but I don’t want to be a coach any more.”
Klopp previously said he planned to take a “long break” after leaving Liverpool following nine years with the club.
He said he saw his Red Bull role primarily as an adviser. “I always had the feeling that the coach is very, very often the loneliest person at the club.
“I’m 57 so I can still work for a couple more years. It was always clear that I wasn’t going to do nothing at all. And then this story with Red Bull came into the picture, and for me it’s outstanding.”
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