On Tuesday, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his hope that Mohamed Salah would renew his contract and remain at Anfield beyond this season. Responding to an Egyptian journalist during a press conference in Austria, Klopp praised Salah, describing him as “a fantastic player, a fantastic human being, and an outstanding athlete—the best ambassador your country could have.”
Klopp made these comments while being introduced as Red Bull’s new head of global soccer. He will manage the energy drinks giant’s football operations in this position. This role marks his next chapter after he left Liverpool at the end of the season after nearly nine years at the helm.
Red Bull, which owns clubs globally, including RB Leipzig in Germany and recently acquired a stake in Paris FC, represents a new challenge for Klopp. Meanwhile, Liverpool has adapted well under new manager Arne Slot, leading both the Premier League and the Champions League standings.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Liverpool, Klopp shared that he felt it was the right time to move on and that he does not miss the daily demands of club management. “I am more than happy not to be there,” he commented, praising Liverpool’s current performance. “It’s great football. Even if you don’t support Liverpool, you should watch them—it’s arguably the best-balanced football in the world right now.”
Klopp also expressed hope that other Liverpool stars, such as Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, would extend their contracts, which are also due to expire. He humorously noted the complexity of handling such contract negotiations, saying, “I am so happy I am not in charge in that situation.”
When asked if he might attempt to sign any of these players for the Red Bull teams, Klopp playfully dismissed the idea with a hint of irony, particularly about the potential of Van Dijk moving to play in the U.S. later in his career. “Oh yeah. Virgil would surely love to commit five more years to Liverpool and then play from 41 to 44 for New York Red Bulls,” he joked, adding, “Mo, yes I would love to, but realistically, we couldn’t afford him.”
Klopp concluded, “I am just really happy I am no longer a part of it,” emphasizing his contentment with his current role outside the daily grind of club management.
