Jurgen Klopp spent seven years as Borussia Dortmund manager before taking over as Liverpool manager in 2015. [Getty Images]
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been appointed as Red Bull’s global head of football.
The 57-year-old German is scheduled to take up his post on January 1, 2025.
“After almost 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn’t be more excited to be part of a project like this,” said Klopp.
“My role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who make this game remain the same.”
Energy drink brand Red Bull owns Germany’s Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, and Brazil’s Red Bull Bragantino.
It also acquired a minority stake in Championship side Leeds and became the front sponsor of the club’s shirts earlier this year.
Red Bull said Klopp will not be involved in day-to-day operations, but will advise the team on playing philosophy, transfer strategy and coaching development.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments, said: “Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential players in world football, with outstanding skill and charisma. He’s one of the people.”
“In his role as Head of Football, he will be a game changer for our involvement in international football and its continued development.”
Klopp won eight titles, including the Premier League and Champions League, during his nine years at Liverpool, before retiring at the end of last season.
He started his managerial career at Mainz in 2001, joining Borussia Dortmund in 2008, winning the Bundesliga twice and reaching the Champions League final in 2013.
He resigned in May 2015 to take a sabbatical, but left in October of the same year to replace Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
Red Bull has invested in ice hockey, extreme sports, motorsport and two teams in Formula 1, with Red Bull Racing currently holding both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in this sport.
A press conference to formally announce Klopp’s appointment as manager is expected to take place in mid-January.