Written by 
Samuel – October 12, 2024
Jurgen Klopp departed Liverpool at the end of last season in a spectacular farewell after nine years and a string of Silverware. The German was on the radar of number of top clubs, but he turned down any potential move owing to a well-earned sabbatical leave.
Surprisingly, Jurgen Klopp recently stated that he has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull as head of football operations, which will begin on January 1, 2025.
This new role will focus on refining Red Bulls’ playing philosophy, as well as scouting and supporting coaches from the Red Bull network, which includes RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls among other clubs.
This new move has ignited debate about whether the German has violated his Liverpool and Dortmund football roots by joining the Red Bulls family.
As a result, we will explore whether Klopp’s move to the Red Bulls is a betrayal of his past clubs or a step forward in his career.
Klopp’s Dortmund Legacy
Jurgen Klopp was hired Dortmund’s head coach in 2008, after the club struggled in the 2007/08 season, finishing thirteenth in the Bundesliga. He was tasked with leading the club to greater heights and competing for trophies.
The German took up this massive assignment and began to integrate his aggressive and counter-pressing approach into the team’s style of play, which set a milestone for the club’s success.
His tactics were unique in the Bundesliga at that time, and the team started performing admirably, winning two league titles in 2011 and 2012 respectively. His other achievements include winning the German cup in 2012 and a Champions League runner up in 2013.
Klopp’s Liverpool Legacy
The German was appointed as Liverpool’s head coach in 2015 to replace Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp began incorporating his tactics in Liverpool’s style of play, as well as integrating new signings to restore the team’s winning mentality. He started his debut season on a strong note, leading the club to the UEFA Europa League Final in 2015/16 season.
After nine years spent at the club, he left his amazing mark that cut across Champions League title in 2019, Premier League title in 2020, ending a 30-year drought, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2019 with additional League Cup titles.
He also played a key role in the development of exceptional players such as Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mané, Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander Arnold among others.
Betrayal or Opportunity
Jurgen Klopp’s move to Red Bulls as head of football operations drew criticism from Liverpool and Dortmund fans, but it can also be viewed as a professional advancement for the German.
The contract includes an exit clause that permits him to take over as manager of any team at his discretion, which can be viewed as a positive development. Taking on the role of head of football operation after so many years of coaching is a means for him to hone his leadership abilities, which will be quite beneficial.
Furthermore, football is strictly business, much like other vocations in many fields. A manager owes no loyalty to any club. Football deals with contracts, and once a contract is terminated, an individual is free to pursue other jobs or appointments without any restrictions.
According to Jurgen Klopp, he has no desire to return to the pitch anytime soon and this new role with Red Bull is an ideal opportunity for him to share his knowledge throughout the years.
Verdict
Jurgen Klopp’s latest step in football can be viewed objectively as a career development after nearly twenty-five years on the sidelines. It allows him to share his wealth of expertise and inspire other young coaches to reach comparable heights in football.