Red Bull commitment
Mintzlaff denies: No exit clause for Klopp
Oliver Mintzlaff comments again on Klopp’s commitment and clarifies a few things. photo
© Christian Charisius/dpa
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff clarifies a few things regarding the signing of Jürgen Klopp. Also when it comes to how the coup came about.
Managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has reported on an alleged exit clause for the job as German national football coach in Red Bull’s contract Jürgen Klopp denies it. “Germany has a fantastic national coach in Julian Nagelsmann, who I really appreciate and with whom I also have a very good relationship,” said the 49-year-old to the German Press Agency and emphasized: “Jürgen Klopp has no exit clause and we are looking forward to it a long-term collaboration.”
With the 57-year-old’s commitment as Head of Global Soccer, the beverage and media company headquartered in Fuschl am See achieved an absolute coup. The fact that – as has already been reported – company founder Dietrich Mateschitz is said to have convinced Klopp to come to Red Bull in 2022 has “no basis whatsoever and is a fairy tale,” Mintzlaff clarified: “As far as I know, Jürgen Klopp has his contract with Red Bull in 2022 Liverpool FC extended.” In fact, he signed a new contract with the Reds at the end of April.
The former coach of FSV Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool will start work as head of football at Red Bull on January 1st next year.
Reach a higher level with Klopp
“The worldwide feedback on his commitment was outstanding and we are convinced that we will take the next development steps with Jürgen in all areas of sport,” said Mintzlaff. Nevertheless, the signing of the cult coach by Red Bull was also met with criticism from football traditionalists and romantics.
Mintzlaff and Red Bull expect Klopp to “reach an even higher level and reduce the gap to the absolute top teams.” He praised him as an inspiring person who inspires and inspires many people. “And that is exactly what will have a very positive effect on our football commitments,” said Mintzlaff.
After Mateschitz’s death in October 2022, the 49-year-old was promoted to management of the Red Bull Group as the person responsible for all sporting activities. Until then he had been managing director of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.