Klopp’s Legacy Untouched in Liverpool, But Tarnished in Germany
Jurgen Klopp remains a beloved figure at Liverpool, but his decision to join the Red Bull group has sparked backlash in Germany, especially among fans of his former clubs, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.
The 57-year-old, who departed Anfield last summer, now serves as Red Bull’s head of global soccer. While Liverpool supporters continue to admire him, his move has angered many in Germany, where Red Bull’s influence in football is highly controversial.
This weekend, a parade float will portray Klopp wearing a euro-symbol cap with wings made of money, accompanied by a harsh message (via ESPN):
“For Kloppo, values he once cared about no longer matter. Lured by Red Bull’s money, he has fallen from his pedestal.”
Why Is Klopp Facing Criticism?
RB Leipzig, a key part of the Red Bull football empire, is widely unpopular in Germany due to its opposition to the Bundesliga’s traditional 50+1 fan ownership model. Unlike most German clubs, where fans hold majority control, Leipzig’s corporate-backed structure has made them the league’s most disliked team.
Klopp, once a champion of fan-driven football and authenticity, is now viewed as supporting a system that threatens those ideals. His appointment immediately angered Dortmund supporters, and now Mainz fans are preparing to voice their frustration during the Rose Monday carnival parade, branding him a sellout.
