Red Bull Chief Laughs Off Jürgen Klopp Question After Liverpool Legend Linked with New Role

In a recent interview, Red Bull Sports CEO Oliver Mintzlaff dismissed speculation about Jürgen Klopp potentially returning to Liverpool, laughing off questions about what would happen if the club or others came calling for the former manager.[2][1] Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season after nearly nine years, citing a lack of energy, has since taken up a high-profile role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, starting January 1, 2025.[1][4]

The 57-year-old German's appointment marks his return to football in a strategic capacity, overseeing Red Bull's international network of clubs, including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls. He will focus on advancing the Red Bull philosophy, scouting talent, and coach development, without day-to-day operations.[4][3] Klopp expressed excitement: "After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited... My passion for soccer and the people who make the game what it is has not [waned]."[4] Mintzlaff hailed it as Red Bull's "strongest signing," predicting Klopp will be a "game changer."[4]

Speculation arose amid Liverpool's mixed form under Arne Slot, who succeeded Klopp and won the title last season but has faced scrutiny after early struggles—though recent unbeaten runs have quieted calls for change. German media, including BILD's Marcel Reif and Dietmar Hamann, suggested Klopp's return, but SportBild dismissed it.[2] Mintzlaff responded firmly: "Jürgen Klopp feels completely at home with us... There is no release clause in his contract, and he has clearly committed to us. If something were to come along, we would have to deal with it. But there are absolutely no indications of that."[2]

Klopp's Liverpool legacy includes the 2020 Premier League title (first in 30 years), 2019 Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. His former assistant Pep Lijnders now coaches Salzburg, facing pressure.[1] A mid-January press conference will formally unveil Klopp, with reports of potential exit clauses for roles like the Germany job.[4][3]

(Word count: 298)