Jurgen Klopp is NOT angling for the Germany job despite speculation to the contrary, says his long-time friend, Wojtek Czyz.
The former Liverpool manager had been expected to take a sabbatical after making the difficult decision to quit his previous role earlier this year. However, it was confirmed this week that Klopp will become Red Bull's new head of soccer in January.
Klopp's decision has split opinion - particularly in Germany, where the 57-year-old is still lauded by fans of Borussia Dortmund following his highly successful stint at the club.
It has also emerged that Klopp's contract with Red Bull includes a clause which would allow him to leave if the German national team were to come calling. However, Czyz has quashed suggestions that Klopp already has his sights on said role.
The Paralympic champion, who become acquainted with Klopp before the latter headed to Liverpool, told The Sports Agents podcast: “I can tell you one thing from this, what I think about Jurgen. Jurgen is not thinking now about the German national team. Jurgen will be 100 percent committed to be successful in this role he took on now.”
Czyz did, however, go on to admit that it would be remiss to rule Klopp out of the picture entirely in the future. He is known to have many admirers within the German Football Federation, though current head coach Julian Nagelsmann is under contract for the 2026 World Cup.
He added: “In the future, you know, so many things can happen, and everything will be done and will be right at the right time. And so now there is no discussion about any future thoughts about the German national team.”
Klopp, who has suggested he is done with club management since leaving the Reds, expressed his excitement over his new role. He said: “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this. The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal.
“There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries. Together we can discover what is possible.
“I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more."
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