-Credit:KERSTIN JOENSSON/AFP via Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp has officially taken up his new role with Red Bull. The former Liverpool boss has fronted up to criticism of his latest career move.
Speaking at a wide-ranging press conference, Klopp had plenty of interesting insight to share, including reflections on his departure from Anfield. Inevitably, he could not avoid addressing the backlash his appointment has provoked, particularly among Borussia Dortmund supporters.
The Red Bull network is reasonably popular at Liverpool, where Michael Edwards has long been an open admirer. He is pushing FSG to pursue a multi-club model of their own, and the AXA Training Centre was partly based on the campus in Salzburg.
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However, the attitude in the Bundesliga is far less warm. “Rasenballsport Leipzig”, as RB Leipzig is officially named, is seen to be artificially defying the hallowed 50+1 rule, which is meant to guarantee fan ownership of clubs.
The energy drink manufacturer is accused of showing no regard for German football tradition. It has certainly been a disruptor, and that has rubbed many people up the wrong way.
On paper, at least, Klopp is not an obvious match for the organization. Considered by many to be a man of principle and a voice for the good of the game (a reputation he has never sought, in fairness), his alliance with a corporate machine like Red Bull looks uneasy.
On the other hand, Klopp is perfectly aligned to Red Bull’s on-pitch values. The new global head of soccer joked at the press conference that he also gives people wings — he certainly epitomizes the high-intensity approach favored across the network of clubs.
Indeed, while at Liverpool, Klopp liked to shop at Red Bull, such was the similarity in style. Sadio Mane had previously come through the system at Salzburg, while Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate, Takumi Minamino and Dominik Szoboszlai were all bought directly from clubs within the ecosystem.
The Red Bull connection is certainly still felt at Liverpool. -Credit:Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
When it comes to the moral objections, Klopp has given them fairly short shrift. He stressed that fans of the club in the Red Bull network are just as deserving of a strong football infrastructure:
“I was at the Leipzig game at the weekend,” Klopp said. “I saw 47,000 fans, around 5,000 for Bremen. They were great as well. I was sitting there and I know what everyone is saying about it, my former clubs, but I was thinking “do Leipzig and its fans not deserve good football?”
“I left Germany around 10 years ago and Leipzig wasn’t in the Bundesliga when I left. I never really had games against Leipzig.
“I really felt they deserve it. I think it is worth giving to fans – in Leipzig, Salzburg, New York, Japan, Brazil. They deserve improvement, support. Football can give you a positive feeling and an identification for a city or region.
“I am happy to be proud of it. A doctor doesn’t refuse to treat someone if they come from a specific region. I love helping wherever I can.”
That’s unlikely to be enough to placate many in Germany. But for Klopp, the next chapter starts now, and it will be fascinating to see what he brings to his new post.
Liverpool.com says: Klopp is more than entitled to take up this role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull. In fact, it seems like a great opportunity, and a chance to remain involved at the top level without such a hands-on role.
However, his justification is a little disappointing in places. Likening himself to a doctor refusing to discriminate based on where a patient is from is not going to wash with Borussia Dortmund fans — the objection is not geographical, but ideological.
Having said that, Klopp makes a good point about the fans. Ultimately, they do not control who their owners are (although critics would say that’s exactly why the 50+1 rule is sacred), and still deserve to go along and support an exciting, forward-thinking football club.
At the end of the day, it’s an issue with plenty of nuance. Klopp has had his say now, and it’s up to everyone else to decide how they feel about it.