LONDON (AP) — Former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp is returning to soccer after a shorter than expected break.
Energy drinks manufacturer Red Bull announced Wednesday that the German mentor is to become its head of global soccer from January, overseeing its international network of clubs.
“He will not be involved in the clubs’ day-to-day operations, but will provide strategic vision, supporting individual sporting directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy,” the statement said. “Additionally, the 57-year-old will support the organization’s global scouting operation, and contribute to the training and development of coaches.”
Klopp had said he would take a “long break” from soccer after leading Liverpool to seven major trophies over nearly nine years in charge at Anfield. His tenure ended with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton in May.
But it appears the prospect of involvement in soccer without the day-to-day intensity of coaching and the pressure it entails was one that Klopp was happy to seize.
”After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” Klopp said in Red Bull’s statement. “The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.”
German broadcaster Sky Sports reported that Klopp had secured a clause in his Red Bull contract that allows him to leave for the Germany coaching job should it become available. Julian Nagelsmann is the current coach of the men's national team and has a contract through the 2026 World Cup.
Before joining Liverpool and helping resurrect the club’s fortunes, Klopp led Borussia Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles and a domestic league and cup double in 2012. He previously rose to prominence as Mainz coach from 2001-08.
He led Liverpool to the Champions League title in 2019 and the Premier League title the following season, ending a 30-year wait for the storied port city club.
As Red Bull chief, he will oversee a roster that includes Dortmund’s league rival Leipzig, Austrian team Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Bragantino in Brazil and Omiya Ardija in Japan. Red Bull also has a minority stake in second-tier English club Leeds.
“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 organization that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more,” Klopp said.
The German coach elaborated on Instagram, where he suggested the move is as much about his own development as Red Bull's.
“I want to learn again,” Klopp said in an Instagram post. “Because when you are in the job and you have to play every three days, you barely have time for that. And now I have time and I have the opportunity, and I want to see and feel and figure out what is useful for football. So, developing football a little bit as well. As I said, really looking forward to it, but now I go back on holiday.”
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The Associated Press
