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It’s fair to say that Jurgen Klopp and his decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer was not viewed favorably by all sectors of the football community.

Many supporters in Germany were particularly vocal in their criticism of a move many view as betraying the traditional football values the German manager once championed.

The most visible demonstrations occurred during Mainz’s Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig on October 19, where supporters of Klopp’s former club unveiled multiple banners condemning his decision.

One banner posed the pointed question: “Have you forgotten everything we gave you?” while another cleverly used a play on Klopp’s name to ask “Are you crazy?” (“BeKLOPPt” in German).

Perhaps most cutting was a banner quoting Klopp’s own words back at him: “I like people until the point they disappoint me”

The intense reaction stemmed from Red Bull’s controversial position in German football.

The energy drink company’s ownership model – which technically adheres to Germany’s 50+1 rule requiring member control of clubs but subverts its spirit by having only about 20 members, all connected to Red Bull – has long been a source of resentment among traditional football supporters.

While the criticism has died down somewhat, as recently as this month the former Liverpool boss was mocked at carnival in Mainz.

A Jurgen Klopp float showcasing the German on wings of money, referencing the accusatory claims that he has forsaken his principles for money.

Photo by Andreas Arnold/Picture Alliance via Getty Images.

Now Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has responded to these suggestions, and has defended Jurgen Klopp:

I understand the disappointment and the criticism [of Klopp], but I don’t share it,” Watzke said in an exclusive interview with the Guardian.

“Just because someone was at Borussia Dortmund 10 years ago doesn’t give us the right to judge them.”

“Jürgen is my friend and he is a free man?

He is an outstanding football expert, has a great aura and the ability to inspire people.”

Jurgen Klopp himself has previously responded to some of the criticism level at him in recent months. 

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