Jurgen Klopp admits New York Red Bulls facility tempted management return
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that touring the state-of-the-art New York Red Bulls training facility this week briefly tempted him to return to the dugout.
The 57-year-old departed Anfield in 2024 following a glittering nine-year tenure on Merseyside.
He has consistently resisted calls to resume his coaching career, opting instead to become the head of global soccer for the Red Bull conglomerate.
‘Something I could miss’
However, the German revealed that attending the official opening of the new American complex ignited a momentary spark of nostalgia.
“This morning was a moment when I walked in and thought ‘oh that’s something I could miss,’ because so far I didn’t miss anything since I stepped down as a manager.”
The Champions League winner joked that dreary weather played a crucial role in preventing him from making a permanent comeback.
“But going into a building like that on a good weather day… thank god the weather was not great otherwise I would have maybe gone back. Really cool.”
He clarified that he had minimal involvement in the architectural plans, despite offering minor adjustments during a site visit earlier this year.
World Cup base for Brazil
The newly unveiled training ground will be thrust into the global spotlight when it serves as a base camp for the Brazilian national team during the upcoming World Cup.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss explained that the sheer quality of the infrastructure meant he did not need to persuade South American officials to select the venue.
“I didn’t have to convince Brazil, they saw it and wanted to be here. We had to make sure that they didn’t use up the full building because we have a soccer team ourself.”
He also referenced Carlo Ancelotti, noting that the legendary manager immediately recognised the value of the elite facilities upon inspection.
“I didn’t have to convince anybody and Carlo definitely not. He knows what is good when he sees it and he saw it.”
Stability on Merseyside
While the charismatic executive remains committed to his overarching role within the Red Bull network, his former employers continue to navigate a transitional phase.
Arne Slot, who succeeded him at Anfield, has endured a challenging second campaign but retains the full backing of the club’s hierarchy.
The Dutchman has guided the Reds to the brink of Champions League qualification.
They currently hold a five-point advantage over Brighton in the race for Europe’s elite club competition, possessing a crucial game in hand.
