Pundit and former Borussia Dortmund star Kevin Großkreutz has revealed his shock at the decision of former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to work with Red Bull. The defender played under the former manager in Germany and was surprised at his latest choice of employment.
Klopp was announced as the new Global Sports Director for the Red Bull Group in the last week and will commence his new role in January 2025. The German schemer had been in charge of Liverpool since 2015 when he resigned from his position as manager in the summer.
Former Germany international Kevin Großkreutz is quite familiar with Klopp, having played 236 times with him as manager of Borussia Dortmund. He has revealed that he was taken aback by the decision of the manager to work with the Red Bull conglomerate. He also added that he plans to give him a piece of his mind.
Großkreutz said via the Viertelstunde Fußball podcast:
“Somehow it still hasn’t really sunk in. I was hoping it was fake news. It was a shock, and sad too. But as a fan, I don’t have to see him in front of the Süd anymore. When we meet, I’ll tell him personally that I think it’s crap that he does something like that.”
Jurgen Klopp's ties with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund earned him a bit of a reputation as anti-establishment in Germany. The decision of the former Liverpool boss to work with Red Bull, however, negates this belief as the conglomerate is not universally liked in Germany.
Klopp will oversee the affairs of RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg in Europe, as well as New York Red Bull in the MLS and Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil. He will not work as a manager but will be expected to be in close contact with the management of the clubs.
Liverpool star speaks out following controversial Klopp decision
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota has shared his thoughts on the controversial decision of Jürgen Klopp to accept an offer from Red Bull. The former Reds manager chose to become the Global Sporting Director of the drinks company from January 1, cutting short his sabbatical.
Jota spoke with Portuguese media outlet Record about his former manager's decision, and he expressed his affection for the tactician. He also took the opportunity to wish him luck in his new role. He said:
“Klopp? He’s a person I have a lot of affection for, we have to respect his decision. I wish him the best of luck in this new stage.”
Klopp left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, citing tiredness as his reason for calling it quits following a nine-year spell. He proceeded on a sabbatical, turning down offers to become the new USMNT manager, during this time.
