Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff insists former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remains committed to his role with the group
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff insists Jurgen Klopp remains committed to the group, but accepts they would ‘have to deal with it’ if Liverpool made an attempt to bring their former manager back to Anfield. The German called time on his Reds career in the summer of 2024 after a trophy-laden nine years on Merseyside.
He returned to football the following January as he joined the Red Bull group as their new Head of Global Football.
Klopp has continued to be linked with a return to management since leaving Liverpool, but has made it clear on a number of occasions that he is not interested in making a comeback to the dugout.
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Of course, that has not stopped the speculation with the 58-year-old continuing to be tipped to take over as manager of the Germany national team whenever Julian Nagelsmann’s reign comes to an end, with some reports even suggesting his Red Bull contract has an exit clause to facilitate such a move.
Klopp has also been linked with a return to Liverpool or move to Real Madrid in recent months, with Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso both finding themselves under pressure at Anfield and the Bernabeu respectively following a run of poor results – though the Dutchman has started to turn things around for the Reds in recent weeks.
But while Mintzlaff concedes Red Bull would have to deal with it if any club did make an approach for Klopp, he has insisted that the German does not have an exit clause in his contract and has given no indication that he is looking to depart the group.
“Jurgen Klopp feels completely at home with us and has already learned a tremendous amount here,” he told Welt when asked what would happen if Liverpool wanted to re-hire the German or Real Madrid or Germany made an approach. “There’s no release clause in his contract, and he’s clearly committed to us.
“He has no intention of looking for anything else. If something were to come along, we’d have to deal with it. But there are absolutely no indications of that.
“If the DFB were to approach Jurgen, I would ask Bernd Neuendorf (DFB President) why he no longer wants such an outstanding national coach (Nagelsmann).
“The national team must be incredibly happy with Julian Nagelsmann every single day.
“I am certain that he, together with Rudi Voller (DFB Sporting Director), will create the conditions for a successful World Cup. Anything else is irrelevant.”
Meanwhile, Mintzlaff lauded Klopp as the Red Bull group’s ‘marquee signing’ as he lifted the lid on his role behind the scenes.
“He played a major role in Leipzig’s resurgence,” he explained. “He helped the team tremendously to take the next steps and struck an excellent balance between providing support on the ground and giving the clubs room to breathe.
“Many were worried that he would overshadow everything here. But the truth is: everyone benefits from his input, but ultimately makes their own decisions.
“Jurgen Klopp was our marquee signing, coming on a free transfer. When he talks to young players we’d like to sign, it’s a game-changer.
“Jurgen Klopp is immensely credible when he explains why a move to Leipzig, New York, or our club in Brazil is the best step. And the public doesn’t see much of his work.
“He regularly exchanges ideas with the club coaches. Developments and questions are discussed – and always presented as suggestions.
“The decisions are made by Ole Werner and his colleagues at the clubs. But Jurgen also ensures that we remain true to our style of play.
“‘Intensity is our identity’ is his slogan. That’s how we want to play on the pitch. He instills this style of play with clear consistency and conviction – and he continues to develop it.”
