Red Bull chief responds to explosive reports on Jurgen Klopp’s future

Oliver Mintzlaff, the Managing director of Red Bull GmbH, has responded to explosive reports surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s future.

Klopp took over as Head of Global Football for the Red Bull Group last January.

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However, there remains some uncertainty surrounding his long-term future in the role amidst recent reports that the German is keen on a return to management.

“Maybe at some point he’ll say he needs to smell the locker room again,” Klopp’s agent Marc Kosicke recently told Transfermarkt.

Kosicke did move to pour cold water on rumours he could leave before long, adding: “But at the moment he’s very, very happy in his role.”

Klopp’s agent did reveal that he fielded inquiries from Chelsea and Manchester United about taking over in 2024, while England were also reportedly weighing up whether to approach the former Liverpool boss as a Gareth Southgate successor.

The German manager also stated earlier this year: “I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know. We’re building a house right now and my missus wanted to have a really big trophy room.

“There was another small room and I said, ‘This is enough, because we know how many trophies we have, we will not add any.’ It might sound arrogant, but I know I can coach a football team. But I don’t need to do it until my last day.”

Red Bull gives you wings?

However, according to Salzburger Nachrichten, the Salzburg-based publication that first reported of a potential link-up between manager and group, neither Klopp nor Red Bull are happy with the current development.

Red Bull clubs RB Leipzig, Leeds United and Paris FC are all struggling in their respective leagues this season.

Should Klopp and Red Bull part ways, then Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner, who will leave Selhurst Park this summer, has been linked with succeeding Klopp.

Glas all over?

Glasner has previous links with the Red Bull Group having worked as a sporting coordinator and assistant coach at Red Bull Salzburg.

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Mintzlaff, though, has hit back at rumours that Klopp is set to depart the Red Bull Group, stating: “That is complete nonsense and entirely made up.

“On the contrary: we are extremely satisfied with Jürgen Klopp’s work. He invests a great deal, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and is continuing to sustainably develop our Red Bull football philosophy.

“We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That is where we are placing all of our focus and energy.”

A Klopp out

Some reports suggest that Klopp is being eyed as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Los Blancos relieved Alonso of his duties at the Bernabeu last month, with Alvaro Arbeloa handed the capital club reins until the end of the season.

Germany, meanwhile, may turn to Klopp as a potential successor to Julian Nagelsmann.

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The former Bayern boss will lead Die Mannschaft at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer and recently penned a new contract with the Germany national team through to Euro 2028.

Last week, Angelina Kelly felt that Klopp ‘should want’ the Manchester United job as she discussed the German manager with Alex Crook on Fiery Fridays.