Jurgen Klopp set to hire former EFL coach to Red Bull role

Former Stoke City boss Narcis Pelach is reportedly being appointed as the new head coach of Japanese side RB Omiya Ardija.

It’s his first time returning to management since leaving Stoke in December 2024, however, he spent a lot of time as a coach at West Ham afterwards under Graham Potter.

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While managing the Potters, he led 19 fixtures, securing only three wins, seven draws and nine defeats.

The second-tier Japanese outfit’s head of sport is Stuart Webber, who was also present at Norwich City while Pelach was employed as a coach.

The Japanese side won promotion to the J2 League in 2024, and are aiming to return to the top tier for the first time since 2017.

The ex-Hammers coach will be taking over from caretaker manager Mitsuhiro Toda.

The Spanish tactician played in the lower leagues in his home country, yet made an early retirement at age 27.

For the first time in his coaching career, he moved to England, joining Huddersfield Town under Carlos Corberan’s staff.

Eventually, the 37-year-old became the interim manager twice at the club, winning his one and only game in charge.

Klopp’s influence

Red Bull own a chain of clubs globally, including Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig and Leeds United.

In 2024, Omiya Ardija announced the brand as their new owner, acquiring 100 per cent of the club shares.

The recruitment process is overseen by the Austrian drink company’s head of global soccer, Jurgen Klopp, who started his role at the beginning of 2025.

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The former Liverpool manager signed a four-year contract, which many fans condemned him for due to his public criticism of the multi-club model in the past.

Day-to-day, he advises the network of teams on coaching matters, playing philosophy, and transfers of players and staff.

The original statement Red Bull released outlined the German ex-manager’s duties: “In his strategic role, Jurgen Klopp will not be involved in the clubs’ day-to-day operations.

“But will focus on supporting the sports directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy.

“He will also leverage his extensive network to aid in scouting top talent and contribute to the training and development of coaches.

Klopp justified his decision by saying: “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this.

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“The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.

“By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal.

“There are many ways that we can do this from using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries.”