(foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Jurgen Klopp begins a new chapter at Red Bull in an executive role, voicing his concerns about the upcoming Club World Cup and the future of football.
Jürgen Klopp didn’t take long to find a new challenge after leaving Liverpool. The German expert has joined Red Bull, where he will primarily work in an executive capacity, overseeing the operations of the company’s football clubs. For now, Klopp isn’t missing the daily demands of coaching, though he hasn’t ruled out a potential return to the dugout in the future.
"I will not be managing the Red Bull team as a coach. What I will be doing in five years, I have no idea," Klopp said during his first press conference in Austria. "I know I will often get this question, but I think it would be difficult for anyone to predict what they will be doing at that time."
Plans for FC Paris and infrastructure improvements
Red Bull recently acquired a majority stake in FC Paris, a second-tier French club, and Klopp has already begun working on ideas to improve its structure. While praising the club’s management, he pointed out the need for better facilities. "First impressions are great, the club is run by good people. The conditions are not great, but they are doing well. The problem is the stadium, which does not provide a good atmosphere – the stands are far from the pitch. There are many things that can be improved, and we have some things ready in this regard."
Criticism of the Club World Cup
Klopp didn’t shy away from expressing his dissatisfaction with the upcoming Club World Cup, which will feature a new format this year. Despite RB Salzburg being one of the participating teams, Klopp remains critical of the competition, arguing that it places unnecessary strain on players.
"RB Salzburg will be present, but I will not say that I like the tournament because of that – I do not! I find it meaningless and it does not benefit anyone. The clubs will not have a summer break because after the tournament it will be time for the championships. There are already a lot of injuries in European football and at some point the number of matches will have to be limited."
A new chapter away from the touchline
Klopp’s new role marks his first major venture away from coaching. After successful managerial stints at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool—where he won multiple trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League—he now faces the challenge of working from the boardroom.
Although he remains focused on his new responsibilities at Red Bull, Klopp hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching in the future. However, for now, he seems content with his new role. "I am more than happy not to be there [in coaching]. It is really great that they are doing so well, I wish them all the best."