Jurgen Klopp secures first job since Liverpool exit with specific clause included

Jurgen Klopp will become the new Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, in his first return to football since leaving Liverpool.

The 57-year-old will start work at the beginning of January in advising all Red Bull teams on a range of issues, including philosophy and transfers.

It is believed that Klopp has also included an exit clause in his contract to allow him to take charge of the German national team in the future.

Julian Nagelsmann earlier this year signed a contract that will keep him in place as Germany manager until after the World Cup in 2026, but Klopp is viewed as a potential successor.

"After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this," Klopp said as his position at Red Bull was made official.

"The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not."

On his responsibilities, Klopp added: “I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more.”

Klopp will be formally announced a press conference in mid-January, having started work earlier in the month.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, said: “We are very proud of this outstanding and certainly the strongest signing in Red Bull's soccer history.

“Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma. In his role as Head of Soccer, he will be a game changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development.”

Klopp walked away from the Liverpool job in the summer after eight-and-a-half years in charge, during which he won the Premier League and Champions League.

His decision to leave the club was a shock one, as he revealed that fatigue was the primary factor behind his departure.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy,” Klopp said at the time.

“I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”

In his new role, the Klopp will be responsible for the likes of RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls in the role, meaning he will once again work with a familiar face.

Pep Lijnders, who was Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, has been in charge of Salzburg since the start of the season, in what is his first job in management.

“I text him after the game, it’s really nice that I can see his impact,” Klopp said earlier this season as he revealed he regularly watches Salzburg matches.

“The Red Bull clubs stand for a specific way of football, but that can get lost over years. It’s completely normal. But it’s there again.

“I love this nice mix of real intensity and a clear idea in possession and I saw that. You can see this team has a good coach.”