Jürgen Klopp’s upcoming move to the Red Bull Group is causing a lot of discussion. Now the coaching legend is responding to the criticism.

Coach legend Jürgen Klopp has defended his move to the Red Bull Group, responding to the criticism of recent weeks. “It was always clear, clear to me, that I won’t do nothing. And then the Red Bull story came up. So for me it’s outstanding, I have to say honestly,” Klopp said in the podcast “Einfach mal Luppen” by brothers Toni and Felix Kroos.

Klopp will be Head of Global Soccer in the RB football cosmos from January 1, 2025, and will hold a strategic position. In particular, football romantics are critical of Klopp’s decision. The criticism is that the fizzy drinks company is buying success with its millions, and that football is only used to advertise an energy drink.

Klopp sees it differently. When he played in the Champions League against RB Leipzig, there was not a single player who could not have been signed by any other club, explained Klopp. Players like Willi Orban, Kevin Kampl and Yussuf Poulsen are “absolute club legends”. In addition, young players like Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Christopher Nkunku have been signed, who could have been signed by any other club. “That’s just the way it is,“ emphasized Klopp.

”I must say, I was never that critical of the Red Bull story,” said the 57-year-old, who had become a fan favorite during his time coaching at FSV Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

After Klopp’s move became official, Mainz fans protested against their former coach’s engagement with banners at their club’s game against RB Leipzig. “I certainly didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. And personally, I love all my ex-clubs,” said Klopp, adding, “I’m not sure what I could have done to make everyone happy.”