What Jurgen Klopp's new job will involve as Liverpool icon's RB Leipzig controversy explained

Liverpool travel to RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening in their next Champions League test (kick-off at 8pm). The Reds have enjoyed a flawless start to their European campaign, with comfortable wins over AC Milan and Bologna so far.

Arne Slot's side have been strong domestically as well with a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest their only defeat. Slot's team currently sit top of the Premier League table - a point clear of second-placed Manchester City. Liverpool's next league fixture comes on Sunday away at title rivals Arsenal.

But their attention will be on Europe for now and a trip to Germany. Their opponents will have a connection to the Reds with Leipzig owned by Red Bull, where former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will start a new role as their head of global soccer in the new year.

READ MORE: Man City manager Pep Guardiola makes fresh admission on future as Liverpool watch on

READ MORE: Sir Chris Hoy's net worth, wife, kids and life after heartbreaking cancer diagnosis

Below is an explanation of Klopp's new role and the controversy it has created in his homeland...

Role explained

Klopp's new role will see him work closely with Leipzig as well as other clubs in the Red Bull franchise. Red Bull has clubs in Germany (Leipzig), Austria (Salzburg), America (New York), and Brazil (Bragantino).

The new role will also see him reunited with former player and Leipzig manager Marco Rose, whom he managed during his time at Mainz.

"In his strategic role, Jürgen Klopp will not be involved in the clubs' day-to-day operations but will focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy," an announcement explained. "He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches."

Klopp's reaction

In a video posted to his Instagram page, the 57-year-old said he is "really looking forward" to taking up his new role in January, citing a desire to continue working in football. "A few months ago I said I don't see myself on the sidelines anymore and that is still the case, but I still love football and I still love working and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that" he said.

"I want to share my experience that I collected over the years and we all know there are more successful managers out there....now I have time and I have the opportunity and I want to see and feel and figure out what is useful for football."

German fury

Klopp's decision has created plenty of controversy in Germany. On Saturday, supporters Klopp's former club Mainz held up a banner which read: “Have you forgotten everything we made you become? Are you crazy?”

Speaking to talkSPORT, German football expert Constantin Eckner said: "Members of the media and fans are thinking that Jurgen Klopp has destroyed his legacy.

"It might not be a hot topic in Britain but Red Bull when they came in they took over a sixth division club and financed Leipzig to go through the ranks and get to the Bundesliga. Red Bull are accused of circumventing the 50+1 rule which is held in high regard in German football which is highly controversial.

"He was the head coach of Mainz and Borussia Dortmund who have positioned themselves as the antithesis of clubs like Leipzig and Hoffenheim. Especially Dortmund fans but a lot of football fans in general are not only annoyed, but somewhat angry."

Former Borussia Dortmund star Kevin Grosskreutz, who played under Klopp while at the club, also shared his reaction following the announcement on his podcast Viertelstunde Fussball. He said: "I woke up, had 30 messages on my phone and thought: 'What happened?'

"I thought I was dreaming; then I hoped it was fake news. Two hours later, it was official. It was pretty shocking and sad. Somehow, it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"I don't think anyone was expecting it. It's very, very strange, and I can't really comprehend it yet. It's like shock!"

He added: "Nevertheless, he's a friend of mine, and I owe him a lot. And I will always be grateful to him.

"As a football fan, I think it sucks, to put it bluntly! But as a friend, you have to accept decisions being made. When we meet, I'll still tell him personally that I think it's s*** that he does something like that!"