Former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp is making a return to soccer after a break that was shorter than he expected.
On Wednesday, the energy drink company Red Bull announced that the German coach will become its head of global soccer starting in January. He will be in charge of the company’s international clubs.
“He will not be involved in the clubs’ day-to-day operations, but will provide strategic vision, supporting individual sporting directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy,” the statement said. “Additionally, the 57-year-old will support the organization’s global scouting operation, and contribute to the training and development of coaches.”
Klopp had mentioned that he would take a “long break” from soccer after guiding Liverpool to seven major trophies during his nearly nine years at Anfield. His time there ended with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton in May.
However, it seems that the chance to be part of soccer without the daily pressures of coaching was appealing to Klopp.
”After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” Klopp said in Red Bull’s statement. “The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.”
In related news, German broadcaster Sky Sports reported that Klopp has a clause in his Red Bull contract allowing him to leave for the Germany coaching job if it becomes available. Julian Nagelsmann is currently the coach of the men’s national team and has a contract that runs through the 2026 World Cup.
Before his time at Liverpool, Klopp helped turn around Borussia Dortmund, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles and achieving a league and cup double in 2012. He first gained attention as the coach of Mainz from 2001 to 2008.
At Liverpool, he led the team to the Champions League title in 2019 and the Premier League title the following season, ending a 30-year wait for the historic club.
