Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is back in football, but not in a coaching role.
The German has been named as the global head of Red Bull’s football operations, overseeing the company’s network of clubs from 1 January.
Klopp, 57, has been on a break since leaving Anfield in the summer after almost a decade in charge.
He guided the Reds to the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, Super Cup and two League Cups.
The 2020 Premier League triumph was the club’s first title win in 30 years.
After leaving, he said he did not want to take a coaching role for the foreseeable future, though he was thought to be one of the FA’s frontrunners for the vacant England manager’s position.
He is also seen as a potential Germany boss and is understood to have an exit clause in his Red Bull deal if that national team role becomes available.
The current manager, Julian Nagelsmann’s contract ends after the 2026 World Cup
Red Bull said in a statement that Klopp will “focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy”, rather than being involved in the clubs’ day-to-day operations.
Liverpool’s squad celebrates winning the Champions League in 2019. File pic: PA
“He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches,” the company said.
Klopp said he sees his new role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs, allowing him to “develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal”.
He said the opportunity “could not excite me more.”
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Red Bull owns German side RB Leipzig, Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg, MLS side New York Red Bulls and Brazilian clubs Red Bull Bragantino and Red Bull Brasil.
It is also the shirt sponsor of Leeds after buying a minority stake in the Sky Bet Championship club earlier this year.
