Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appointed global head of soccer at Red Bull

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been appointed as the global head of soccer at Red Bull, with the 57-year-old German set to commence his new role on 1 January 2025. 

Klopp took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the appointment, stating: "A few months ago I said I don't see myself on the sidelines any more and that is still the case. But I still love football, I still love working and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that."

The energy drinks brand, which owns RB Leipzig in Germany's Bundesliga, Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls, and Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino, also holds a minority stake in Championship side Leeds and became the club's front-of-shirt sponsor earlier this year.

Red Bull confirmed that Klopp will not be involved in day-to-day operations but will provide advice on playing philosophy, transfer strategy, and coaching development.

Klopp remarked: "I want to share the experiences I have collected over the years. We all know there are more successful managers out there but in my career I have fought for promotion, fought for titles and I have fought for trophies. Sometimes we failed, sometimes we succeeded and dealing with that is not easy, but it is possible."

He further expressed his desire to continue learning: "Then I want to learn again. Because when you are in the job and you have to play every three days you barely have the time. I want to see, feel and figure out what is useful for football, developing football a little bit as well."

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, praised Klopp's appointment, stating: "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 enjoyed a successful tenure at Liverpool, winning eight trophies in nine years, including the Premier League and Champions League, before stepping down at the end of last season. He began his managerial career at Mainz in 2001 and joined Borussia Dortmund in 2008, where he secured two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final. After resigning in May 2015 for a sabbatical, he returned to management by succeeding Brendan Rodgers at Anfield in October of that year.

Red Bull has also made significant investments in ice hockey, extreme sports, motorsports, and two Formula 1 teams, with Red Bull Racing currently holding both the drivers' and constructors' titles. A news conference to formally announce Klopp's appointment is scheduled for mid-January.