In response to criticism from German supporters, Jurgen Klopp has defended his choice to become Red Bull’s global head of soccer next year.
Klopp, who ended a successful nine-year stint at Liverpool last season, also coached Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, with many of those clubs’ fans angered by his decision to join Red Bull.
Fans in Mainz during a league game earlier in October even unfurled banners venting their anger over Klopp’s decision. Klopp had spent 18 years as a Mainz player and then coach.
Many fans in Germany oppose the ownership structure of Red Bull-controlled clubs, including RB Leipzig, where the energy drink maker helped them, with investment injections, race through the lower divisions to reach the Bundesliga in 2016.
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“You cannot make your decision depending on what reactions there will be,” Klopp told the podcast of former Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, published on Wednesday.
“I am 57 and can still work a few more years. But I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was clear for me that I would do something. So then Red Bull came. For me, it is outstanding.”
Klopp joined Liverpool in October 2015 and won the Champions League, their first English League title since 1990, the Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, and Super Cup, as well as the Community Shield during his time in charge.
He had also led Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, a German Cup, and a Champions League final in 2013.
Klopp will not be involved in the day-to-day operations but act as an advisor for the Red Bull-owned clubs in Germany, the United States, Brazil, and Austria.
“I did not want to step on anyone’s toes. I love all my former clubs,” Klopp said. “But I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.”
