A close ally of Jurgen Klopp has defended the former Liverpool manager following the announcement of his new position.
Klopp exited Anfield after an impressive nine-year tenure and initially intended to take a break from football.
Though the 57-year-old isn’t planning a quick return to coaching, he made headlines recently by taking on a role as the global head of soccer for Red Bull.
In this capacity, Klopp will be responsible for guiding the football strategy of the multi-club organization.
This decision has met with criticism, especially in Germany, where concerns have been raised about Red Bull’s influence in bypassing regulations in German football through RB Leipzig.
Klopp, who has previously described himself as a “football romantic” aligned with traditional values, faces some contradiction in this new venture.
In response, former bosses Wagner, who managed Huddersfield and Schalke, has backed Klopp strongly.
“I understand that some people might expect him to choose differently,” Wagner remarked to Sport 1. “However, I strongly disapprove of the criticism directed at Klopp for this choice. It’s upsetting.”
“Jurgen Klopp’s character and coaching abilities remain unchanged regardless of this move.”
“It is shameful to question his principles simply because he is working for a prominent organization now.”
Diogo Jota’s Comments on Klopp
Diogo Jota, one of Klopp’s former players at Liverpool, was the first to speak out regarding Klopp’s new position while representing Portugal nationally.
“I have a great deal of respect for him, and we should honor his decision,” he said, as reported by Record.
“I wish him all the best in this new chapter of his career.”