Red Bull has firmly rejected rumors regarding any threat to Jürgen Klopp’s role as head of global soccer, labeling the claims as “nonsense.”
The former Liverpool manager took on this prestigious position in January 2025, where he oversees Red Bull’s extensive club network, which includes RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls.
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The speculation initially surfaced from the Austrian publication Salzburger Nachrichten, which reported on Wednesday that Klopp’s future appeared uncertain due to alleged stagnation in the clubs’ development since his arrival.
However, Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, issued a strong rebuttal on Thursday.
“This is total nonsense and completely unfounded. In fact, we are extremely satisfied with Jürgen Klopp’s contributions,” Mintzlaff asserted.
Oliver Mintzlaff insisted Klopp is going nowhere (Getty)
Mintzlaff further noted Klopp’s active engagement, stating that he is “in constant contact” with coaches and sporting directors across the Red Bull network.
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“We are confident that he is the right person for this position, and we are fully committed to supporting him,” he added.
When Klopp’s appointment was announced in 2024, he expressed that he did not anticipate returning to coaching “for the foreseeable future,” intending to serve primarily as an adviser to the Red Bull clubs globally.
Despite facing challenges upon his arrival, some improvement has been noted. For example, RB Leipzig, which finished seventh in the Bundesliga in the 2024-25 season and missed out on European qualification, is now in fifth place under new coach Ole Werner, who was brought on during the offseason.
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Red Bull Salzburg, after a mixed performance in last year’s Club World Cup and losing the last two domestic titles, currently leads the Austrian league.
In Major League Soccer, the New York Red Bulls ended their remarkable streak of 15 consecutive playoff appearances by missing the postseason in 2025.