Klopp misses "nothing" - but leaves the back door open

Jürgen Klopp is leaving a back door open for a return to the coaching bench. That he will never resume his career on the touchline "is what I believe", the former successful coach told the portal "The Athletic": "But you don't know. I'm 58. If I started again at 65, everyone would say: 'You said you'd never do it again! At the moment, however, he is not thinking about a possible coaching job at all: "I don't miss anything."

Without the daily work on the training pitch, he has gained considerably in quality of life thanks to the greater flexibility and freedom, reported Klopp. "I can go on vacation. And I decide when," said the 58-year-old, before adding with a laugh and looking at his wife: "Okay, Ulla decides when." But it's "not the Premier League or the Bundesliga that decide".

Criticism of Red Bull joining Klopp "not a problem"

After leaving Liverpool FC as coach, Klopp joined the Red Bull Group as Global Head of Soccer in January 2025, meaning he also has responsibility at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. This caused a lot of criticism in the fan scene, as Klopp had often given the impression that he stood for traditional values in professional soccer. However, the soccer commitment of the large Austrian company is contrary to this for many supporters.

Klopp said he was not surprised by the negative reactions. "I am German. I know what people in Germany think about Red Bull's involvement in soccer. They love Red Bull. In all areas. But in soccer? No," said the former Bundesliga coach of Borussia Dortmund and FSV Mainz 05: "Funnily enough, there was only such a reaction in Germany. But that's okay - no problem."

"Not the soccer pope"

As an ex-coach, he now "doesn't want to be the soccer pope" and tell people "what they have to do. At least not outside the Red Bull world". In his new role, he sees himself more as a helper and advisor than a boss. "If necessary, I want to be the emergency call for the coaches or sporting directors, the one they call when they don't know who to speak to," explained Klopp.

In addition to RB Leipzig, the RB clubs worldwide include the New York Red Bulls in the USA, RB Bragatino in Brazil and RB Omiya Ardija in Japan. The company is the main sponsor of Red Bull Salzburg. Red Bull also has minority stakes in Leeds United and the French promoted team FC Paris.