Berlin, May 13 (IANS) Even for a multitasker like Jurgen Klopp, juggling multiple responsibilities appears increasingly challenging. Four months into his role as Red Bull’s “Head of Global Soccer,” the 57-year-old former Liverpool manager has found himself acting as an emergency responder for the energy drink giant’s flagship club: RB Leipzig. The two-time German Cup winner is enduring an uncharacteristically difficult season.
Klopp’s broad portfolio leaves limited time to personally manage the range of football operations under the Red Bull umbrella. While he and former German international Mario Gomez were in attendance last weekend for FC Paris’ promotion to Ligue 1, Leipzig was dealing with a growing crisis, reports Xinhua.
In March, Klopp’s associate Zsolt Low left his role as Head of Soccer Development to replace Marco Rose as Leipzig’s interim head coach. However, despite the shuffle, the team failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in years.
A major overhaul appears inevitable. Alongside a search for a new coach, Leipzig must rebuild its squad. The pressure is mounting on Klopp, who is now under scrutiny from both fans and the media.
Rumours have circulated that Klopp might take over coaching duties himself, but his agent Marc Kosicke quickly dismissed the speculation. “He is happy with his job,” Kosicke said.
Still, media outlets are asking pointed questions about whether Klopp is a symbolic figurehead or a genuine decision-maker within the Red Bull football empire. Leipzig CEO and former defender Marcel Schafer confirmed that significant staff changes are coming. Local newspaper Leipziger Volkszeitung described Klopp’s involvement as crucial for the club’s future.
For now, Leipzig’s aspirations of establishing itself as a dominant national and international force have stalled. With only a chance to qualify for the UEFA Conference League remaining, their final Bundesliga match against Stuttgart feels like a consolation prize. Red Bull’s Head of Corporate Projects, Oliver Mintzlaff, had previously emphasised the need to take the next developmental step – a goal that now feels out of reach.
The Suddeutsche Zeitung described the crisis as “Klopp’s problem to solve,” while Kicker called it “a season in rubble.” Even the possibility of hosting the 2026 Conference League final in Leipzig hasn’t sparked much enthusiasm.
Weighed down by expensive, long-term player contracts and the looming cost of hiring new potential candidates like Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Como’s Cesc Fabregas remain under contract-Leipzig face a daunting recovery. That said, financial turmoil seems unlikely, with the club reporting approximately €450 million in revenue in recent years.
Schafer acknowledged both “economic and sporting challenges” ahead. “We have to change more than we thought,” he said, noting that the club is now looking for players with both “quality and mentality.”
For Klopp, the celebratory mood following his 2019 Champions League triumph may be over for now.
–IANS
bsk/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
