Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to join the Red Bull empire following criticism from fans of his former club, Borussia Dortmund, insisting he made an ‘outstanding’ choice.
Klopp has come under fire from some sections of the Dortmund fanbase because they believe rivals RB Leipzig and their associate Red Bull clubs represent the hyper-commercialisation of football.
Speaking to the Toni Kroos podcast, Klopp suggested it was inevitable some of his former supporters would be upset, but he had to consider his best options.
“I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, absolutely not. And I love all of my former clubs,” said Klopp, who has assumed the role of head of global football, a position once held by another former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier.
“But I don’t really know what I could have done to make everyone happy.
“It was always clear, well, clear to me, that I wouldn’t do nothing. And then the Red Bull story came up. And it was an outstanding [option], and I have to be honest about that.”
During his managerial career with Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp was empowered by his man of the people persona.
The reality has always been more complicated, the German coach well-acquainted with the idiosyncrasies of modern football politics and business.
His admiration for Red Bull is rooted in his passion for developing the game, young players and coaches – something which the clubs under his wing have made their forte in contrast to those who buy the ready-made products.
“Basically, I’m an advisor,” he told the podcast.
“Hopefully I can bring calm in different ways and, in other situations, assess things correctly and help the coaches.”
Speaking during his punditry stint on CBS’ Champions League coverage last week, Telegraph columnist Jamie Carragher said Dortmund fans criticising Klopp were hypocrites.
“I think it is rubbish,” said Carragher.
“If Mainz and Dortmund supporters are so against the Red Bull model, then why did Dortmund buy Erling Haaland from them? If you’re so against it then don’t buy and sell players to them.”
