Return to football: Heidel on Klopp: No orientation towards the mainstream

For Christian Heidel, Jürgen Klopp’s new job at Red Bull is no surprise. In view of all the discussions about the Austrian company’s involvement in football, the sports director of FSV Mainz 05 considers his friend’s decision to be a courageous one. Klopp is aware of the problem. “Kloppo is who he is and sometimes does things where he doesn’t follow the mainstream,” said Heidel.

RB is part of the football business. “You don’t necessarily have to think that’s a good thing. I’m certainly one of RB’s critics, but we won’t turn back the clock. Someone also wrote to me saying that the football romance is over now. “But that’s long gone,” said Heidel.

Heidel: A perfect story for Klopp

Klopp will work as “Head of Global Soccer” at Red Bull from January 1, 2025. The 57-year-old signed a long-term contract with the beverage company. The former Mainz and Dortmund Bundesliga coach will be responsible for the international network of all Red Bull football clubs. He should help to further develop RB’s playing philosophy and contribute his expertise and network in scouting and the selection of coaches and talent.

In the summer, Klopp ended his coaching career at Liverpool FC after nine years. According to Sky, Klopp is said to have an exit clause in his contract should he one day be considered as national coach and successor to Julian Nagelsmann at the German Football Association (DFB).

Heidel, who was privy to Klopp’s plans early on, fully understands the move of his neighbor and friend. It was clear that he wanted to do something with football again, just not on the sidelines. “Now he has an opportunity where he can combine both things. He only cares about football, which he can now see from a completely different perspective. “A lot of things came together where he says this is a perfect story for him,” said the 61-year-old.

Heidel: The position of national coach is still an option

At the moment, Heidel cannot imagine seeing Klopp as a coach again. As a coach, he would be constantly in the public eye and under pressure. Things are different now. “The likelihood that he will do it again is not that great,” said Heidel. However, he sees an exception for the position of national coach: “He would never say never, but at the moment that is not an issue at all.”