Jurgen Klopp doubles down on Red Bull decision despite backlash from former clubs

Jurgen Klopp raised eyebrows in certain parts of the world when he announced his return to football in an overarching role at Red Bull. But .

Any disappointment at Liverpool is muted. did say he'd be taking a break of at least a year after leaving , so his speedier-than-anticipated return has been a little jarring, but it's not as though he is taking up a front-line coaching post.

However, the distress at and is palpable. There have even been banners directed at Klopp, criticizing his decision to get into bed with an organization that has been perceived as disregarding the German football model of fan ownership.

Klopp faced backlash straight away upon the confirmation of his appointment as Head of Global Soccer. He .

"Hi. Some of you might have heard already, some of you won't," Klopp said. "From 1st of January 2025, I will be Head of Global Soccer of Red Bull, and I'm really looking forward to that.

"A few months ago, I said I don't see myself on a sideline anymore and that is still the case. But I still love football and I still love working, and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that."

While that headed off a lot of the potential Liverpool backlash, Klopp did not really address the objections from Germany. It was always going to be there that he faced the most stringent criticism.

Now, , and he has doubled down on his defense of taking up the role. While expressing affection for all of his former clubs, he refused to back down:

"I didn't want to step on anybody's toes, definitely not, and personally I love all of my ex-clubs," he told Kroos. "[But] I really don't know what exactly I could have done for everyone to be happy."

Whether that does anything to placate fans in Germany is doubtful. Klopp's legacy will always be intact, especially at Anfield, but this will inevitably leave a sour taste for many.

Liverpool.com says: Plenty of Liverpool fans probably object to Red Bull on a vague ideological level, but English football is about as far as it gets from a culture of fan ownership. Certainly, Klopp's move there does not feel like much of a betrayal in the way it does for Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.

After all, Liverpool has been ever more closely associated with the Red Bull group over recent years. As well as a slew of signings, the AXA Training Centre was also modeled on the facilities employed by the energy drink giant.

Moreover, has already become the head coach at Red Bull Salzburg. Seeing Klopp come on board is not a major shock to the system.

Having said that, Klopp's defense is a little flimsy. There are lots of moves that would have satisfied more or less everybody, with Red Bull a uniquely sensitive choice in German football. All he can do is own it.