by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Jurgen Klopp's whereabouts have been the subject of intense speculation since the 57-year-old left Liverpool after nine years last summer. Reports have circulated about his retreat to various locations, including a villa on the North Sea island of Sylt, a luxury finca on Mallorca, and a house in Wiesbaden, Germany, that Klopp and his family reportedly built.
While his Sylt property is reportedly available for rent, Klopp has largely disappeared from the public eye, taking a sabbatical. During this time, he's focused on family life, especially after becoming a grandfather following the birth of his stepson's child.
Despite his retreat, the former Liverpool coach is set to return to the football world. Klopp has been linked to numerous high-profile coaching roles, including Germany's national team, but his next move will be behind the scenes. According to Bild, Klopp is joining the Red Bull group as the "Global Head of Soccer" starting in January 2025. The report, confirmed by Red Bull shortly after it broke, also suggests his contract includes an exit clause allowing him to pursue the Germany job in the future.
As Global Head of Soccer, Klopp will oversee the Red Bull-affiliated clubs, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, Leeds United, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil), and Omiya Ardija (Japan). His role will involve advising on club strategy, player transfers, coaching appointments, and overall development.
Klopp admitted in a recent interview that although he initially left Liverpool feeling drained, saying "I ran out of energy". He noted that while playing padel and spending time with family have been enjoyable, his passion for football remains strong.
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull's CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments and former head of RB Leipzig, orchestrated Klopp's move. The exit clause in Klopp's contract reportedly allows him to return to the coaching bench, with a particular eye on the German national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, once Julian Nagelsmann's tenure concludes.
"I couldn't be more excited to join a project like this after 25 years on the sidelines," Klopp said in a Red Bull statement. He expressed enthusiasm for mentoring coaches, players, and management, and helping Red Bull expand its sports initiatives. In addition to football, the company is involved in a variety of extreme sports, overseeing more than 600 athletes worldwide. ■
