Red Bull group issues firm response after 'made up' Jurgen Klopp speculation

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has been linked with an exit from the Red Bull group this week, with CEO Oliver Mintzlaff issuing a firm response to the speculation

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is the global head of soccer at Red Bull(Image: Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images)

The Red Bull group has moved to dampen speculation that Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp could leave the organization and be replaced by Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner this summer.

It comes as rumors in Germany had put forward the theory that Klopp hasn't developed the sporting side as much as expected, with RB Leipzig sitting fifth in the Bundesliga, behind both Hoffenheim and Stuttgart.

Glasner remains highly thought of in the country where he made his name with Eintracht Frankfurt, and is set to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season after a tumultuous few months at Selhurst Park.

However, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has ruled out the possibility of Klopp leaving and played down speculation that there might be a job opening for Glasner.

"That is complete nonsense and entirely made up," he told Sky Germany. "On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with the work Jurgen Klopp is doing.

"He invests a great deal of time and effort, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and continues to develop our Red Bull football philosophy in a sustainable way.

Klopp left Liverpool and football management in 2024, but speculation over a return continues(Image: Getty Images)

"We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That is where we are putting all our focus and energy."

Klopp's agent, Marc Kosicke, recently claimed that Manchester United and Chelsea both made contact to establish whether he might be interested in moving there once he left Liverpool.

If Klopp did return to management, he would not be short of offers. However, he has previously hinted that he is happy with the role and the life that he currently has.

"Do I want to coach again? At the moment, I would say no," Klopp said in an interview with AFP last month. "But I cannot say never, never, never. I don't expect to change my mind, but I don't know."

Liverpool.com says: It's hard to know what Klopp's job really is at Red Bull. Certainly, Leipzig not competing for the Bundesliga title is not down to him.

Ultimately, while the group wants to compete for trophies and make the Champions League season after season, having a high-profile advisor is only going to help so much.

Keeping its best players and maintaining the edges that it has over various opponents in data and recruitment is the biggest determinant, plus the actual head coach of the club.