Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a Red Bull exit.(Image: Getty Images)
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has rubbished claims of Jurgen Klopp’s departure as “complete nonsense” following reports that they would not stand in the way of a return to management for the former Liverpool boss.
The German has occupied his role as the company’s Head of Global Soccer for more than 12 months since his surprising Anfield exit. Yet reports from Austria indicate that the German could be poised to step away from his position with the energy drinks corporation. Klopp’s brief involves supervising football activities throughout the Red Bull empire, encompassing Leipzig and Salzburg to New York and Bragantino in Brazil.
However, it’s been suggested that whilst the collaboration has succeeded from a publicity perspective, with the organisation enjoying worldwide attention since Klopp’s appointment, on-field results have proved less impressive, with RB Leipzig languishing fifth in the Bundesliga.
Salzburger Nachrichten, via BILD, have reported that Red Bull would not stand in the way of Klopp should he be receptive to a managerial comeback. Should he desire to return to the touchline, the publication has suggested that outgoing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been selected as his replacement and represents a prepared substitute.
Klopp will make his dugout return next month when Liverpool legends face Borussia Dortmund at Anfield. It marks the first occasion that the Champions League and Premier League-winning strategist will occupy the L4 hot seat since the concluding match of his reign against Wolves in 2024.
The German has been open about his contentment away from the high-pressure environment of a competitive dressing room, seemingly thriving in his new executive role at Red Bull. But the news was rubbished by Mintzlaff, who hailed Klopp for the work he has done in the first 13 months in his position.
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He said: “That is complete nonsense and entirely made up. On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with the work Jürgen Klopp is doing.
“He invests a great deal of time and effort, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and continues to develop our Red Bull football philosophy in a sustainable way. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That is where we are putting all our focus and energy.”
Nevertheless, rumours regarding his next career move persist and are likely to escalate post-World Cup this summer, given the ongoing speculation linking him as a successor to Julian Nagelsmann as Germany’s head coach.
He’s also been suggested as a potential replacement for Arne Slot following the Dutchman’s early-season difficulties. A podcast featuring Stephen Bartlett was aired just hours after Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United, during which the German hinted that a return to Liverpool could be on the cards.
He stated: “I said I will never coach a team in England again, that means if it’s Liverpool, theoretically it’s possible. I don’t know exactly, I love what I do right now. I don’t miss coaching, I do coach now but just different.
“I don’t miss standing in the rain, two-and-a-half [to] three hours; I don’t miss going to press conferences three times a week, and having 12 interviews a week. I don’t miss that; I don’t.”
Recently, it was revealed that Manchester United, Chelsea and several national teams have approached Klopp about a potential comeback.
Marc Kosicke, Klopp’s long-standing agent, disclosed in an interview that the Reds’ Premier League competitors had approached him about a managerial return, whilst England and the USA also expressed interest in their head coach positions.
In a chat with Transfermarkt, Kosicke revealed: “Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again. But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role.
“Before joining Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the United States or England. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there.
“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jürgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England.
“These inquiries keep coming. He’s extremely happy with what he’s achieved. And it’s still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired.”
