F1 superstar Max Verstappen makes feelings clear about ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp joining Red Bull group
F1 superstar Max Verstappen has revealed that he was aware former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was close to joining Red Bull. He believes this is a great move for the organization, which will benefit from Klopp's experience of managing top clubs across Europe.
Speaking to the media ahead of the US Grand Prix, Verstappen opened up about the German's association with Red Bull. He went on to praise the organization and the former Liverpool boss. He said:
"I knew already for quite a long time that they were talking and it was close to being signed. I think it's great. Red Bull is investing a lot also in football with the teams they have and there is a lot of talent that has come through already. With someone like Jurgen in charge from the top, he has a lot of experience, and he has managed a lot of great clubs. It's great for the whole organization."
Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool earlier this year, saying he wanted to spend some time away from the sidelines. He has joined Red Bull as the Head of Global Soccer and will officially take charge from January 1, 2025.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp facing backlash after Red Bull move
Jurgen Klopp has been under fire from German football fans after the announcement that he would join Red Bull as the head of global soccer. The former Liverpool boss was seen as one of the main figures against institutions taking control of football in the country but has now joined forces with them.
German football expert Seb Stafford-Bloor told the BBC:
"People have talked about him ruining his legacy. As some people have said, he sort of reframed who he is in relation to the club in terms of what he means to people. For Klopp, who for so long was a symbol of [football authenticity], he had kind of an unvarnished appeal. He was very much in step with fan sentiments when he first moved to Dortmund. For instance, he was proactive in meeting with supporters and talking to them about what was important for their club."
"So, for him to cross that divide and move to the other side of the table, so to speak, is very jarring. Klopp is this transcendent personality who everybody has a little bit of grasp on, who everybody feels is sort of the acceptable face of football, whereas Leipzig are very much the dark heart and that goes to the Red Bull network as a whole," he added.
Jurgen Klopp's former player Kevin Großkreutz also took shots at the ex-Dortmund boss. The German claimed he wanted to have a discussion with his former coach about the Red Bull move.
