Jürgen Klopp Dismisses Madrid Rumors, Embraces Advisory Role at Red Bull

Jürgen Klopp has decisively ruled himself out of contention for the vacant managerial position at Real Madrid, emphasizing that his days on the sidelines are firmly behind him. Following the Spanish giants’ decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso a week ago, speculation swirled around Klopp as a potential candidate to steady the ship at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Klopp, who is currently observing his one-year anniversary at Red Bull, has swiftly dismissed any notions that the allure of Madrid might lure him back into daily management. Speaking from RB Leipzig’s headquarters, the former Liverpool manager addressed the rumors candidly, asserting that Alonso’s departure “had nothing to do with me and hasn’t triggered anything in me either.”

Despite being younger than contemporaries such as Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho, Klopp seems to have found a new rhythm away from the touchline. “I know I can coach a football team, but that doesn’t mean I have to do it until my last day,” he explained. “I wanted to do something different. Red Bull provided me with an opportunity to define a role that evolves step by step. I’m at peace with where I am, and I don’t want to be elsewhere.”

Since his appointment in early 2025, seven months after his emotional exit from Anfield, there has been some confusion about the specifics of Klopp’s new role. He oversees a vast network that includes RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino, and RB Omiya Ardija, and insists his remit is both broad and clearly defined.

“That’s the last title I ever want to have,” Klopp declared. “It’s an advisory role, but with authority. However, I’m not one to shoot from afar. I place great reliance on the people at the clubs, providing calm when needed and making decisions when necessary.”

Klopp’s influence is already evident in recruitment meetings, where his charisma serves as a powerful asset. Marcel Schaefer, Leipzig’s sporting director, described Klopp as having a “god-given talent to capture people in just a few minutes.” This was particularly clear in the acquisition of winger Johan Bakayoko from PSV, who was influenced not by a hard sell, but by a meaningful discussion with Klopp regarding footballing philosophy and personal growth.

A significant aspect of Klopp’s responsibilities now includes supporting the managers working under the Red Bull umbrella. Having experienced the isolation of the technical area for decades at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, Klopp is determined to become the supportive figure he once lacked. He views his role as a sounding board for coaches who often feel they need to have all the answers.

“My idea with our coaches is to be the person I never had,” Klopp revealed. “As a coach, I would often find myself alone in my office, making decisions in solitude. Now, when coaches feel isolated, I want to be there for them. They can talk to me without fear of judgment.”

This mentorship also extends to identifying future talent within the coaching ranks. Klopp emphasized the transient nature of success within the Red Bull model, noting that if coaches excel, they are likely to be pursued by larger clubs. Therefore, the organization is now “scouting coaches all over the world” in the same manner they scout players. “The best sporting director in 2035 is already out there somewhere,” he asserted. “The next best coaches are out there, too.”

Klopp’s influence is also becoming visible on the pitch. Traditionally, Red Bull teams adhered to a strict 4-2-2-2 formation, but under Klopp’s stewardship, there has been a marked shift towards the 4-3-3 system that previously brought him immense success at Liverpool. This evolution has benefited dynamic wide players like Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande, aligning the network’s playing style more closely with Klopp’s high-octane ‘heavy metal’ football.

Furthermore, he has played a crucial role in restructuring personnel within the organization. His former best man and close friend, David Wagner, was appointed as head of the academy in June, succeeding Manuel Baum. This change signifies a deliberate effort to remedy one of Leipzig’s historical weaknesses: the failure to cultivate homegrown Bundesliga talent for the first team. By creating a direct line between the academy and the upper echelons of the organization, Klopp aims to ensure that the next generation of stars is nurtured internally, securing the network’s future while he remains contentedly distanced from the dugout.