Jurgen Klopp’s decision to join Red Bull as head of football operations has sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly among Borussia Dortmund supporters. The former Liverpool manager, who is a beloved figure in Dortmund after leading the club to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final during his seven-year tenure, has now found himself at the center of a storm of criticism.
The anger stems from Red Bull’s ownership of RB Leipzig, a club that has consistently faced criticism from Dortmund fans and the German football community at large. The club’s rise to prominence has been seen by many as a challenge to the traditional structures of German football, particularly the 50+1 rule that mandates member control of clubs. Red Bull’s multi-club ownership model, with teams in Salzburg, New York, and now Leipzig, is seen as a departure from this traditional model.
Dortmund fans have been particularly vocal in their disapproval of Klopp’s decision, with some even suggesting it has tarnished his legacy. The fanzine Schwatzgelb, known for its outspoken views, declared that Klopp had “destroyed his reputation” and “torn it down with a bang”. They were particularly critical of Klopp’s willingness to work with Red Bull, a company that many Dortmund fans see as a threat to the integrity of German football.
The surprise announcement of Klopp’s new role has been met with mixed reactions, even within Dortmund. While some fans are outraged, managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed his support for Klopp, saying he was not surprised by the decision and wished him well in his new role.
Despite his support for the Red Bull model in the past, Klopp’s decision to take the job has been seen by many as a betrayal. His previous comments defending RB Leipzig, where he acknowledged the club’s commitment to developing young players, have been overshadowed by the strong emotions surrounding the club’s perceived disregard for German football traditions.
It remains to be seen how Klopp’s move will impact his legacy in Dortmund and beyond. While he has built a reputation as a charismatic and outspoken manager, his decision to join Red Bull has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Dortmund fans, who once saw him as one of their own.
