Former Borussia Dortmund star Kevin Großkreutz has voiced his surprise over Jurgen Klopp’s recent decision to join Red Bull, a move that has left many fans and former players stunned. Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool manager earlier this year, announced his new role as Global Sports Director for the Red Bull Group, a position that seems to have caught many off guard, including Großkreutz.
Großkreutz, a defender who played under Klopp during their time together at Borussia Dortmund, admitted that he was taken aback by Klopp’s choice of employment. The two shared significant success at Dortmund, including winning Bundesliga titles, and Großkreutz had closely followed Klopp’s career. His shock at Klopp’s move to the Red Bull conglomerate reflects the sentiments of many who did not expect the celebrated manager to take such a direction after his highly successful tenure in English football.
The announcement of Klopp’s new role with Red Bull was made earlier this week, just months after his departure from Liverpool, where he had been in charge since 2015. Under Klopp, Liverpool experienced a resurgence, winning the Champions League, Premier League, and several other trophies, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top football managers. His resignation in the summer marked the end of a transformative era at Anfield, and many expected him to take a sabbatical or pursue a different path within football management.
However, Klopp’s decision to join Red Bull — an organization known for its involvement in various sports, particularly football and Formula One — has sparked debate. Red Bull owns football clubs like RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, and Klopp’s role as Global Sports Director suggests he will be overseeing the broader sporting ambitions of the company. This new position takes Klopp out of the direct managerial spotlight, focusing more on strategic and operational aspects of Red Bull’s sporting ventures.
Großkreutz, who has always been outspoken about his views, shared his feelings during an interview on the Viertelstunde Fußball podcast. His candid reaction reflected a mix of disappointment and disbelief. “Somehow it still hasn’t really sunk in. I was hoping it was fake news. It was a shock, and sad too,” Großkreutz admitted. His comments capture the sense of surprise that many Dortmund and Liverpool fans have expressed since the news broke.
The former Dortmund player also expressed his personal dismay at Klopp’s involvement with Red Bull, a corporation whose aggressive branding and marketing strategies have drawn both admiration and criticism in the world of sports. Red Bull’s influence in football has grown significantly in recent years, but its methods have not always aligned with traditional football cultures, particularly in Germany, where clubs like RB Leipzig have faced opposition from sections of the football community.
Großkreutz, known for his passion and loyalty, seemed to imply that Klopp’s association with Red Bull did not sit well with him as a fan of more traditional football values. “As a fan, I don’t have to see him in front of the Süd anymore,” he said, referring to Dortmund’s famous Südtribüne, or “South Stand,” which is renowned for its passionate supporters. This remark underscores the emotional connection between Klopp and Dortmund fans, many of whom may struggle to reconcile his new role with their memories of his time at the club.
Klopp’s impact on Dortmund cannot be overstated. During his tenure, he led the team to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as a UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2013. His high-energy, pressing style of football and charismatic personality made him a beloved figure in Dortmund and, later, at Liverpool, where he enjoyed similar success.
Großkreutz’s reaction is understandable, given the strong bond that Klopp forged with his players and fans. Klopp was not just a manager; he was seen as a leader who brought joy and pride to the clubs he managed. His departure from Liverpool had already marked the end of an era, but his subsequent move to Red Bull has added a layer of complexity to his legacy.
Despite his personal disappointment, Großkreutz acknowledged that Klopp’s decision was his own to make, even though it clashed with his own expectations. “When we meet, I’ll tell him personally that I think it’s crap that he does something like that,” Großkreutz added, hinting at the depth of his feelings on the matter. His frankness highlights the emotional weight Klopp’s career choices carry for those who have been closely associated with him.
As Klopp transitions into his new role at Red Bull, it remains to be seen how this chapter of his career will unfold. The move from managing top-tier football clubs to overseeing a broader sports portfolio is a significant shift, and many will be watching to see how he adapts to this new environment. For Klopp, the challenge will be to bring his expertise and leadership to Red Bull’s ambitious sports projects, which span football and other high-profile ventures.
For fans and former players like Großkreutz, Klopp’s departure from the traditional football management role may take some getting used to. However, Klopp’s track record suggests that whatever he undertakes, he will do with the same passion and commitment that has defined his career so far. As his journey with Red Bull begins, only time will tell how this new role will shape his legacy in the world of sports.
