Lothar Matthaus insists Jurgen Klopp can “work for whoever he wants” after the German manager was criticised for taking a new role at Red Bull.
Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp has been named the Austrian drinks manufacturer’s new head of global soccer and will begin work in the new year.
The new move has not gone down well with some in Germany, particularly among Dortmund fans, who have long had issues with RB Lepzig, who are one of the clubs operating within Red Bull’s controversial ownership model.
Klopp enjoyed seven successful years at the Signal Iduna Park, becoming a hugely popular figure as he won two league titles.
But German former World Cup winner Matthaus says he understands why the 57-year-old has made the move.
Matthaus told Sky Germany: “I think Red Bull is thinking big – Jurgen Klopp is big. That fits together. There will be changes, he will get all the support from the company.
“Then we’ll see what comes of it and hope that maybe we’ll see him on the coaching bench again sometime in the next few years.”
“…this could not excite me more.” Jürgen Klopp
The feeling is mutual💪 #GivesYouWiiings pic.twitter.com/Uxb5evphgg
— Red Bull (@redbull) October 9, 2024
Klopp insists he sees his future away from the dugout after ending nine years at Liverpool at the end of last season and Matthaus believes the manager is right to seek a new challenge.
He added: “Everyone should do what they enjoy, what they see as a task and a challenge. Red Bull is new territory for Jurgen Klopp, but Liverpool was also new territory and he is taking on this task.
“If someone criticises that, I say: We should all be open to new things. For me, that’s a completely normal path.
“Jurgen Klopp can work for whoever he wants. The important thing is that he stays in football and can continue to give football new impetus.
“I believe that Red Bull has done an excellent job in Salzburg, Leipzig and New York in recent years.
“When Jürgen Klopp shows up somewhere, it’s obviously a big deal. Klopp is someone who inspires people. He can certainly help Red Bull achieve its goals. And Red Bull has big goals, I know that from my own experience.”
After leaving Anfield in May, Klopp said he would take a year-long sabbatical from football but finds himself in a new role within eight months.
He has been widely tipped to take over the Germany hotseat in the near future, with rumours his contract with Red Bull involves a exit clause if the national team job becomes available.
