Could perhaps football’s most charismatic manager be on his way back to the bench? We think yes! Jürgen Klopp has been out of the spotlight since leaving Liverpool last summer – but now everything could change.
After an intense period of red shirts, heartfelt hugs and “heavy-metal football” on Merseyside, Klopp took a well-deserved break from managerial life. Instead, he has stepped in as global head of football at the Red Bull Group – the company behind RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, among others.
Seen from the outside, Jürgen Klopp’s job at the Red Buil seems to be extremely relaxing (and well paid) the German coach travels around and watches football, is at conferences and big events, far away from the stress of healing a club in a never-ending rush to win.
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To be a national team manager must be something in between a figurehead in Red Bull and a manager in an elite club.
Germany’s World Cup disappointment could be Klopp’s entrance
Germany’s weak performance in the World Cup has created drama around national team manager Julian Nagelsmann. Several media outlets, including Sky Sport, report that Nagelsmann is now threatened with sacking – and that Klopp is being pointed out as the hottest candidate to take over. According to sources, Klopp himself should be ready for the task, and already on Tuesday there were signals that he wants the job.
And now another important piece is coming into place.
Special clause can open the door
Sky Sport writes that Klopp has a very special buyout clause in his contract with Red Bull. It allows him to leave his position as global football manager if the German Football Association calls.
In other words: Red Bull has probably imagined that the national team could be a temptation – and written in a way out for just such a situation.
Earning staggering sums
The contract with Red Bull is not of the poor kind either. According to the same sources, Klopp earns between 8 and 10 million euros a year in his current role.
In comparison, Nagelsmann’s salary as national team manager is said to be around 6.5 million euros. If Klopp is to take over, it could mean a slight drop in salary – but hardly something that stops a man who is primarily driven by passion and challenges.
The road so far: From Mainz to the world’s elite
The 59-year-old German has had a remarkable journey as a football coach:
- Mainz 05 – where he started his career and took the club to the Bundesliga for the first time.
- Borussia Dortmund – where he won two league championships, one cup and took the team to the Champions League final in 2013.
- Liverpool – where he became a legend, won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and put the club back on the world map.
Klopp has never been a national team manager before. But now the timeless kiss-giver, hug master and tactical genius can finally get the chance to lead his own country – and perhaps give Germany the spark it desperately needs.
One thing is certain: If Klopp takes over, it is unlikely to be quiet around the German national team and… They can start winning again.
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The next World Cup match for Germany is about. well 4 years at the earliest, while Norway plays Brazil this week.
