Jurgen Klopp’s contract-length for shock new Red Bull role is revealed – and why he may have to wait for a shot at a key managerial role
- Former Reds boss now in charge of the international network of football clubs
- Rumors that he has an exit clause to take over the Germany job have been quashed
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The full details of Jurgen Klopp’s shock move to become Red Bull’s ‘Global Head of Soccer’ are slowly emerging and, contrary to initial reports, there is no exit clause built in, even if he wants a job with the German national team.
The 57-year-old left his post as Liverpool manager in May after a successful nine-year spell in charge, having guided the club to victories in the Champions League and Premier League.
He was enjoying his time off and stated that he did not want to take on a coaching role and needed some rest after making his decision at the start of this year.
However, it was confirmed today that the German has signed a deal with Red Bull from January 1, which will see him responsible for the international network of all football clubs under the brand’s umbrella – including Leipzig, Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.
Now the latest revelation has put to rest rumors that Klopp would be free to leave once the German hotseat became available. Image report that his brand new contract does not contain a special exit clause.
The full details of Jurgen Klopp’s shock move to become Red Bull’s ‘Global Head of Soccer’ are slowly starting to emerge
Today it was confirmed that the German has signed a deal with Red Bull from January 1
Rumors that Klopp could replace Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann if he leaves are incorrect
In fact, the former Reds man has been tied to Red Bull for five years, meaning he will be out of a coaching job for the foreseeable future.
Current national coach Julian Nagelsmann extended his contract at the helm in April to take him to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
If Klopp ever wants to secure the role, Red Bull would have to compromise with the German Football Association.
It is no secret that the organization is enthusiastic about the popular manager, with director Rudi Voller previously revealing: ‘If Julian Nagelsmann were to decide at some point that he would rather coach a top club again, there is of course no way around it. Jurgen Klopp. If that’s what he wants.’
In his new position, the German will have to advise the clubs on coaching matters, playing philosophy, development and transfers of players and head coaches.
Speaking about his new role, Klopp said on Red Bull’s website: ‘After almost 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn’t be more excited to get involved in a project like this.
‘The role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent we have at our disposal.
“There are many ways we can do this by using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learn from other sports and other industries.
‘Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor to the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs, but ultimately I am part of an organization that is unique, innovative and future-oriented. Like I said, this couldn’t excite me more.’
The 57-year-old left his position as Liverpool manager in May after a successful nine-year spell as manager
This role requires Klopp to be responsible for the international network of all Red Bull football clubs, including Leipzig, Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls
German FA director Rudi Voller said: ‘If Julian Nagelsmann were to decide at some point that he would rather coach a top club again, then of course we cannot ignore Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp insisted he ‘couldn’t be more excited to get involved in a project like this’
According to Sky, Oliver Mintzlaff – the current CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull – is responsible for Klopp’s arrival.
The 49-year-old has been pushing for Klopp’s arrival for months and has now got his wish.
Ahead of his new role at Red Bull, Klopp was previously identified as a potential candidate to replace Gregg Berhalter as manager of the US national team – before Mauricio Pochettino took on the role.