Despite leaving Liverpool in 2024 as one of football’s most celebrated managers, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he never considered himself a “world-class coach.” In a wide-ranging interview with AFP in Leipzig, Klopp reflected on his career, coaching philosophy, and his new role as Red Bull’s global head of football, overseeing clubs including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, and Paris FC.
“I never considered myself a world-class coach,” Klopp said. “I still had so many questions when I finished. I was like, ‘How can I be world-class with these questions still?’”
From Mainz, where he achieved promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time, to Borussia Dortmund where he won two league titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final and finally Liverpool, Klopp has a history of transforming clubs and elevating players. Under his leadership, Liverpool claimed every major trophy, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Supporting Coaches in His New Role
In his new position, Klopp wants to provide the guidance he never had as a young coach. “My role with the coaches is to be the guy I never had,” he said. “I sat in my office very, very, very often, very, very, very alone. A lot of people gave me advice… but it’s really not that easy to make the final decision. I want to be in moments when I know they are alone, or feel alone. I want to be there.”
He acknowledged the challenges of overseeing former colleagues, referencing the firing of RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose in 2025. “Grave-digger of the coaches that’s a title I never wanted to win!”
Philosophy on Football and Results
Klopp’s approach has always emphasised performance over outcome. “I never watch the goals back, because I want to understand the game to the left and the right of the result. Results are the result of the performance. So we worked on the performance and the results came later,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of mindset: “Giving your all doesn’t mean you will get anything, but it’s your only chance to get something. We gave everything and sometimes we got something.”
On trophy celebrations, Klopp said,
“I didn’t take any pride out of the ceremonies. I love being a part of it, not in the middle of it… For me, it was the journey that I loved. That gave me much more than the moment of winning.”
Presence and Influence Off the Sideline
Though no longer on the touchline, Klopp continues to command respect and influence at RB Leipzig. Sporting director Marcel Schaefer praised him for his presence and ability to connect with players and families. “He has something unique. He can catch people in five to ten minutes… You know if Jurgen Klopp is in the room,” Schaefer said.
Klopp, now 58, said a return to day-to-day coaching is unlikely. “I don’t expect to change my mind… It might sound arrogant, but I know I can coach a football team. But I don’t need to do it until my last day.”
Conclusion
Klopp’s career has been defined by passion, insight, and an ability to elevate teams and individuals. Even away from the sideline, he continues to shape football through mentorship, strategic oversight, and a philosophy centred on performance, growth, and the journey rather than the trophies.
