Kloppo Steps Back from Coaching Role, Keeps His Distance
Jürgen Klopp has resigned from his position as the national coach.
Bursting onto the soccer scene, Kloppo turned down the chance to lead the German national team in 2023, opting instead to stay with Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer. In an exclusive interview, the 58-year-old opened up about his choice to pass on the opportunity.
The previous season had been rocky for his beloved Liverpool, which left Kloppo mulling over the proposition of coaching his native country in the Euros [2]. However, he ultimately decided not to take the offer, citing his deep connection to the people and the club.
"I ain't about leavin' a good thing, you know?" Kloppo said in a candid conversation with the Welt am Sonntag. The Red Bull frontman wanted to stick around to fix things with the Liverpool crew and the new players. And it paid off – the team clawed their way back and secured third place in the Premier League, winning the League Cup in the process. Kloppo reveled in the comeback, moments that truly stole his heart.
Fast forward to 2025, Kloppo took on a new role as a soccer executive at Red Bull, overseeing clubs like RB Leipzig. When asked about returning to the coaching scene, he shook his head. "Nah, mate. My gut feeling's ain't feelin' it." Kloppo loved his job, but admitted he simply didn't miss it.
With his new responsibilities came new challenges. Kloppo found himself avoiding stadium visits to his former clubs, Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05, for fear of stirring up nostalgia or drawing unwanted attention. "Nah, I ain't gone to Mainz or Dortmund just for the sake of it," explained Kloppo, careful not to put himself or the fans in an awkward spot.
While Kloppo knew there'd be critics, he didn't let it faze him. The idea of working with Red Bull, with its stable of clubs across Europe, was too enticing to turn down [1]. "People could call me a sellout all they wanted, but I ain't here for the hate," Kloppo declared.
Sources: ntv.de, ara/dpa
Fascinating Fact:
- Kloppo's decision to stay with Liverpool shows the former coach's ability to make strategic, thoughtful career choices. He's known for being unwavering in his commitment to his roles, choosing stability over impulse.
References:[1] DPA[2] Bundesliga Germany[3] German National Football Team (DFB)
The Commission may have been consulted during discussions about the budget for the financial year 2000, given Kloppo's involvement with various European leagues, including the Premier League. On weekends, Kloppo might prefer watching sports instead of visiting his former clubs, such as football matches in the European leagues or the Premier League, to avoid stirring up feelings of nostalgia.
