Jurgen Klopp return stance changing despite RB chief issuing feisty response

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a return to management amid claims that he could leave his role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer

Jurgen Klopp is growing closer towards a return to management – despite claims he could leave Red Bull being branded a “complete nonsense” last month. Klopp left Liverpool in the summer of 2024, after almost nine years in charge of the Anfield club, to take a break from management.

During his time in charge of the Reds, the 58-year-old won the Champions League and Premier League, and his close bond led him to state he would never coach another English side. And even though Klopp has been Red Bull’s global head of soccer since January 2025, that hasn’t stopped him being consistently linked with a return to coaching.

Real Madrid had been mentioned as a possible destination in recent weeks following Xabi Alonso’s departure in January. However, a report published by Salzburger Nachrichten claimed that Klopp’s position was no longer secure at Red Bull, and the company would not stand in his way if he wished to return to management.

Responding to those claims, Mintzlaf told The Athletic: “That’s complete nonsense and totally unfounded. On the contrary: We are extremely satisfied with Jurgen Klopp’s work.

“He invests a great deal, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and is sustainably developing our Red Bull football philosophy. We are convinced that he is the right man for the job. That’s where we are focusing all our energy and attention.”

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But despite Mintzleaf’s stance, French publication L’Equipe is reporting that the sporting situation of the two main clubs in the Red Bull group is being viewed as hardly satisfactory, and part of the responsibility lies with Klopp. RB Leipzig are 5th in the Bundesliga, while RB Salzburg were dumped out of the Europa League in the group stages.

The report goes on to claim that the more time passes, the more the German would like to return to coaching, with Oliver Glasner being mentioned as a possible successor at the end of the season. And even though both Chelsea and Manchester United denied the claim, Marc Kosicke, Klopp’s agent, revealed last month that he subsequently fielded interest from the two Premier League clubs as both looked to hire the German.

“Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again,” Kosicke told Transfermarkt. “But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role.

“Before joining Red Bull, Jürgen could have coached the USA or England. Probably also Germany, if Julian Nagelsmann hadn’t already been there.

“Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jürgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. These inquiries keep coming.

“He’s extremely happy with what he’s achieved. And it’s still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired.

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