"Penner's Discourses": The reason behind Klopp's absence at the Borussia Dortmund stadium
The Shift of Klopp to Red Bull Stoke Many Traditionalists, but His Avoidance of Stadium Visits at His Former Clubs Makes Perfect Sense
Football legend and fan favorite Jürgen Klopp left Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 under memorable circumstances. Now, he intentionally skips encounters with fans of his former clubs. The key reason behind this decision: his role as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, a company frequently met with controversy among many football traditionalists. “No one has called me a sellout yet, but it's obvious I wouldn't set foot in the stadiums in Mainz or Dortmund,” Klopp confessed during an interview with "Die Welt am Sonntag".
Steering Clear of Unwanted Attention
Despite his eagerness to interact with fans, Klopp feels compelled to avoid certain situations. "I don't want to put people in a position where they question: 'What on earth is he doing here?', and the next person responds: 'That's Kloppo.' I'd rather sidestep that," the 58-year-old clarified. He is adamant that it's not because he shuns fan adoration, but to spare both himself and the fans unnecessary discomfort.
Klopp is unfazed by any criticism leveled against him. People are free to voice their displeasure, he asserted. "The opportunity to work with Red Bull was too intriguing to pass up, even though it might not be well-received by my former clubs."
The drinks conglomerate welcomed Klopp on board in January. Before that, he had claim his place in football history as the coach who led Liverpool FC to the Champions League and Premier League titles. With Borussia Dortmund, he bagged two championships and cup victories, and with FSV Mainz 05, unprecedented successes like promotion to the Bundesliga and Europa League qualification went on his record[3][4]. (dpa)
Working for Red Bull, a company often met with skepticism within the football sphere, might seem like an unconventional move. Yet, the strong bonds Klopp forged during his time at Dortmund and Mainz make visiting his former clubs as an opponent or guest a sensitive issue. The emotional attachment he has for these clubs, combined with the high esteem fans hold for him, creates a challenging atmosphere for Klopp to navigate while maintaining his new role[1][2]. Consequently, it makes sense that Klopp chooses to abstain from stadium visits as a means to protect himself and his former clubs from potential awkwardness or divisive loyalties.
Klopp, known for his ties with German clubs Borussia Dortmund and FSV Mainz 05,, now avoids visiting their stadiums due to his new role as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, a move often met with skepticism in the football world. His decision to steer clear of these encounters might be a wise move, considering the emotional attachment he has for these clubs and the high esteem fans hold for him, which could potentially create an uncomfortable atmosphere or divisive loyalties.
