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Klopp Accepts Red Bull Criticism, But Stands By His Decision

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Plenty of people in the Premier League wondered what Jurgen Klopp’s next step would be when he announced that he would be leaving his role as Liverpool gaffer when his contract expired over the summer, and whilst some may have guessed he’d go the less stressful ‘Director of’ route, a position at Red Bull wasn’t on anyone’s lips.

But that is exactly what the 57 year old German did as he accepted the position of head of global soccer at the controversial wings related company. Undoubtedly fans at Anfield were happy he didn’t take a different role in the English game, and particularly not another managerial role, but his Red Bull move feels all the more stranger given his previous association, and relationship, with Borussia Dortmund fans.

The Austrian global brand are involved in numerous sports, and their football portfolio includes Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil), and they have recently bought into Leeds United as well.

Their tie with RB Leipzig is more convoluted as they don’t technically own them, yet they do finance them and it has long been a bone of contention in the German game. Leipzig are now known as the ‘most hated club in Germany’ since their rebrand and are regularly on the end of fan protests, and Klopp would have been well aware of that and how it may impact on his Dortmund legacy even though he is obviously not directly linked with the German end of the business.

To his credit, he was happy to address the issue recently as he appeared on former Germany, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder, Toni Kroos’ podcast, and he was adamant that the decision had been taken with absolutely no intention of upsetting anyone, but he just simply had to accept and acknowledge that taking any different role in football would end up disappointing someone, and ultimately the Red Bull opportunity was the one that presented itself.

“You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be. I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy. It was clear for me that I would do something – so then Red Bull came.”

Whilst some will understand his point of view, those critical of his decision will not be swayed by his words but ultimately, they will simply have to accept them as he isn’t changing his mind now.

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