Jurgen Klopp named Head of Red Bull Football Operations as he prepares to return

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has transitioned to a new role as head of football operations at Red Bull, overseeing the Leipzig, Salzburg, and New York clubs, the company announced on Wednesday. Klopp, who left Liverpool at the conclusion of last season after a successful nine-year tenure that saw him lead the team to both Premier League and Champions League victories, cited exhaustion as the reason for his departure. The 57-year-old's new position with the Austrian energy drinks brand will not involve direct coaching responsibilities but will allow him to continue influencing the clubs in a more strategic capacity.

According to a statement released by the company, "Klopp will not interfere in the day-to-day business of the clubs, but rather take on a higher-level strategic position."

Klopp himself said: "I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs.

"After nearly 25 years on the sidelines, I couldn't be more excited to be involved in a project like this."

The 57-year-old will start his tenure on January 1, 2025.

Sky Germany reports Klopp's contract includes an exit clause which allows him to take over as manager of the German national side should he be approached.

Klopp spends much of his time at his home on the Spanish island of Majorca and retains a sponsorship role with German sportswear maker Adidas.

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Hans-Joachim Watzke, the managing director of Klopp's former club Borussia Dortmund, told AFP's German sports subsidiary on Wednesday he had discussed the Red Bull role with him. 

"As always, I wish Jurgen good luck in his new job," Watzke said.

"It was no surprise to me because we talked about it personally," he added.

Earlier this month, Klopp was presented with Germany's Federal Cross of Merit.

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In addition to their extensive football interests, Red Bull are the principal sponsor of the reigning Formula One champion team of Max Verstappen. 

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)