Klopp called ‘mercenary’ by Borussia Dortmund fans after taking over at Red Bull

Former coach takes on the role of global football director at the company and will work directly with his former club’s rival, RB Leipzig

Jürgen Klopp has landed his first job since leaving Liverpool and will be the global director of football at Red Bull. The new role, however, did not please fans of Borussia Dortmund , the club where he made history as a coach. The complaint from supporters is that the former coach has sold out by choosing to work with a company that has practices that he previously criticized, in addition to being the owner of German rival RB Leipzig.

— So you do everything in your career, really everything right, just to be a mercenary at the finish line? Simply speechless… he was such a good person and with that he sells his entire aura — said a fan on social media.

Red Bull has been heavily criticized in Germany for its marketing strategies when buying and managing football clubs. One of the criticisms even came from Klopp in the past. Fans recalled a statement by the former coach in 2017, in which he said he appreciated “tradition in football” and criticized multi-club conglomerates.

— How could you destroy yourself like this? You are nobody to me anymore. This is the best example of how to lose your status as a football legend in one fell swoop — said another Dortmund fan.

Klopp’s role will be to lead the strategic vision of Red Bull’s football clubs around the world, including Dortmund’s rival RB Leipzig. The company also owns RB Salzburg and Liefering in Austria, the New York Red Bulls in MLS, Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil and a Formula 1 team, Red Bull Racing .

— This is also a kick in the ass for BVB. Because if you look honestly at the current situation, Leipzig is a direct competitor and they are now helping to get rid of Dortmund. You can’t just ignore all this — commented another Borussia Dortmund supporter.

The fans’ frustration is also based on the idolatry that Dortmund had with Jürgen Klopp. The former coach was in charge of the team for seven seasons and made his name in history as one of the club’s most successful coaches. He has won two German championships (2010/11 and 2011/12), one German Cup (2011/12) and two German Super Cups (2013/14 and 2014/15) with the team.

— A decision that I cannot understand on several levels and that will certainly harm your impeccable CV a little. You don’t need this, Klopp — added another German football fan.