Klopp will not coach Red Bull teams but does not want to be a 'passenger'

Jurgen Klopp insists he will not manage a Red Bull team after starting work as the group's head of global soccer, though the former Liverpool boss does intend to play an active role.

Klopp called time on his hugely successful nine-year stint at Anfield last year, having won seven major trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two EFL Cups.

The German claimed he was "running out of energy" when announcing his departure and said he would take a sabbatical before taking another coaching role.

However, in October, Red Bull appointed Klopp as their head of global soccer on a four-year contract, with his role involving oversight of the strategy of RB Leipzig, Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.

Klopp held his introductory press conference on Tuesday and said he has no desire to be a "passenger" in his new job.

"It's pretty much what I wanted to do. I finished seven months ago at Liverpool. I did that consciously," he said.

"A few months after that, the opportunity came up. I don't want to be a passenger or a prominent person in the room. I really want to put some value on it.

"I always wanted to try to learn new stuff and I felt immediately that it's exactly what I wanted to do. It's a different role."

The press conference with Jürgen Klopp - LIVE from 2:00 PM! Our new Global Head of Soccer at @redbull talks about his vision and gives us exciting insights into his new role. Feel free to tune in!

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) January 14, 2025

Klopp was linked with several managerial roles after leaving Liverpool, including the England and Barcelona jobs, but he says his new title will not lead to him coaching RB Leipzig.

"I did not want to do that any more. I wanted to get a new start and this is an opportunity to add value," Klopp said.

"How it will look... we will see. There is not one plan that works for all our teams. We want to be the best we can be. In each department, in each club.

"I will not be a coach of a Red Bull team. I sit here, as much as I can give a guarantee, but I'm the only person to be asked where I will be in five years, four years, three years – no one knows.

"I will not be a Red Bull club manager. I hope we create a structure where these questions can't be asked. That would be cool."