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**A LOAD OF (RED) BULL?**
It’s a shocking turn of events, isn’t it, Jürgen? The football community was stunned last January when Jürgen Klopp, then the manager of Liverpool, announced in a video that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the season, citing “running out of energy” as his reason. However, the recent news that he is set to take on a new role as the head of global soccer at Red Bull is surprising in a different way. While some might find it predictable, many others are disappointed that this well-liked, down-to-earth, yet sometimes prickly German manager has chosen to partner with a corporate powerhouse.
Klopp has openly acknowledged the backlash against the Red Bull model from traditionalists—many of whom he identified with just two years ago. As a former manager of Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, he seemed to truly grasp the spirit of football culture and what it means to fans.
Fast forward to today, and it’s confirmed that starting January 1, Klopp will embrace Red Bull’s multi-club ownership model, which includes teams like Austria Salzburg and SSV Markranstädt. These clubs have been acquired and rebranded despite opposition from their supporters. This move might be seen as a betrayal by the very fans who once regarded him as one of their own. To make matters worse, he appears genuinely thrilled about joining a group of clubs that many consider to be artificial and lacking authenticity.
“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” Klopp stated. “The role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.” Yet, his version of “making the game” seems to revolve around acquiring team brands, altering their identities, and overshadowing them with Red Bull’s branding—actions that stand in stark contrast to the values held by fans of Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, who believed he was one of them. As he approaches his first press conference on January 25, he is likely to face tough questions regarding this significant shift.
Additionally, it has been reported that Klopp has a clause allowing him to apply for the Germany national team position once Julian Nagelsmann leaves. However, given the strong social values fans uphold, it remains uncertain whether they would even welcome him as their national coach. German football journalist Constantin Eckner noted, “Members of the media and fans think that Klopp has destroyed his legacy,” while Kicker referred to the 57-year-old’s transition as “a dagger in the heart for football romantics.”
In a time when state takeovers, skyrocketing ticket prices, questionable sponsorship deals, and ongoing issues within FIFA are affecting the sport, true football romantics are becoming increasingly rare. With Klopp’s departure, it seems yet another beloved figure has fallen from grace, but the mental gymnastics his supporters will go through to rationalize this decision are sure to provide some intriguing—if somewhat humorous—reading.
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**QUOTE OF THE DAY**
“We scored the goals, but the players were not working as hard as I wanted them to on the pitch. We were just walking to get the ball, which is not good enough. If you want to keep possession, you have to run,” Chelsea’s boss Sonia Bompastor remarked after her team narrowly defeated Real Madrid 3-2.
**FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS**
“I was moved by your beautiful tribute to Johan Neeskens in yesterday’s Football Daily. I’m reading it with a tear in my eye… As a young boy, I wished my name was Johan, and it wasn’t because of Cruyff!” – Gerben van Sark.
“I’m surprised to hear Ryan Mason is in talks for the Anderlecht position. Doesn’t he know there could be a better temporary opportunity waiting for him nearby at Tottenham?” – Dedric Helgert.
“My home-made irony meter always goes haywire when I read Football Daily. I couldn’t help but notice the stir around Manchester United’s executive summit led by Jim Ratcliffe in London. Is this the same Jim Ratcliffe who, shortly after joining, sent out an email to non-playing staff giving them a week to decide whether to resign or return to the office permanently? Why aren’t Big Sir Jim and his underperforming executives facing any repercussions?” – Steve Malone.
Send letters to [email protected]. Today’s letter of the day winner is… Steve Malone, who will receive a copy of The Football Weekly Book. For terms and conditions regarding our competitions, please refer to our website.
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