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After a brief break following his nine-year tenure at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has landed a new job in football.
The German coach has been enjoying a well-earned sabbatical after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. He’s kept up appearances, returning to Borussia Dortmund for the testimonial for Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski in September and attending the Paralympics in Paris, and has, unsurprisingly, found himself linked to a host of jobs, notably those of the United States Men’s National Team, England and Germany. But Klopp has waited until now to accept a long-term position and will return to work as the new Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.
According to Sky Germany, the 57-year-old has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull and will start in his new role on January 1, 2025. So it’s not a return to the touchline, but a move into a strategic position in which Klopp will support the coaches of RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls, among other clubs in the Red Bull network. Klopp’s focus will be on further developing Red Bull’s playing philosophy while leveraging his network in scouting to identify coaches and young talent.
Mintzlaff said in a statement: “Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma. In his role as head of soccer, he will be a game-changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development.
Klopp’s contract with Red Bull includes an exit clause that will allow him to leave should a suitable role become available, most likely the Germany job. The deal runs until the 2026 World Cup, and Sky Germany note that Klopp’s path to becoming head coach of his national team will be “more possible than ever” should current boss Julian Nagelsmann step down after the tournament in North America.
Klopp will currently be preparing for his new role. He was headhunted by Oliver Mintzlaff, the current CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, who will be keen for the new hire to be a success.
