Jurgen Klopp may have stepped away from the touchline, but his wit, charisma, and brutal honesty are still in full force. In a recent interview, the former Liverpool boss took a light-hearted—but pointed—jab at Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, laughing at how far his former rivals have fallen behind in the modern football landscape.
Speaking with The Athletic about his new role as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, Klopp couldn’t resist a cheeky dig. “We are not the final destination. We are not Liverpool… or in former times Man United! You can write that if you want,” he said, followed by that trademark booming laugh.
Klopp’s Legacy: Trophies, Tactics, And Timeless Banter
During his nine years at Liverpool, Klopp did more than just manage—he rebuilt a sleeping giant. Under his leadership, Liverpool captured the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and even a FIFA Club World Cup. The Reds became regular contenders for every piece of silverware on offer. And all of it was done while going toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, arguably one of the greatest club sides ever assembled.
Meanwhile, over at Old Trafford, the post-Ferguson era continues to be a rollercoaster of disappointment. The latest chapter features Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, who has managed just 18 wins from his first 49 games. Far from a revival, United’s story seems stuck in a cycle of false dawns and managerial upheaval—a trend Klopp is clearly aware of, and one he’s not afraid to poke fun at.
Life After Liverpool: Klopp’s New Chapter In The Sports Market
Now at Red Bull, Klopp’s role is less about touchline tactics and more about developing clubs, culture, and competitive edge. He sees himself as a mentor for coaches and sporting directors—a kind of footballing “emergency call” when things get messy.
“I want to be… the guy they call when they don’t know who to talk to,” Klopp explained. “More trust, going through the hard times. If you are convinced, then you are convinced. The world is like that: ‘Oh my God, you are great!’ Then it is, ‘Oh no! You’re sh*t.’ There’s no grey area anymore. And very often life is grey.”
It’s a refreshing take in a sports market increasingly obsessed with quick fixes and instant gratification.
From Finals Lost To Wisdom Gained
Klopp’s success was never just about trophies. It was about perspective. He openly reflects on his failures—including multiple lost Champions League finals—as teaching moments. “I know how to lose and how life goes on,” he said. “Now if somebody asks me something, I’m the most open book I know.”
That openness, that raw honesty, and that readiness to pass on wisdom are what make Klopp not just one of the greatest managers of his generation, but one of the most relatable.
The Final Word? Klopp Still Has Plenty To Say
Klopp insists he doesn’t want to be “the old man in the room,” living in the past. His focus is on building for the future—whether that’s helping Red Bull clubs succeed or guiding young coaches through the chaos of modern football.
But when it comes to Manchester United’s struggles? Let’s just say… he’s still got a sense of humor about it.
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