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CEO of Borussia Dortmund Hans-Joachim Watzke (L) and Jurgen Klopp embrace prior to the UEFA Europa League quarter final first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool(Image: Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Hans-Joachim Watzke, the former Borussia Dortmund CEO, has defended the decision of Jurgen Klopp to join the Red Bull Group after his Liverpool exit.

Passionate fans of Dortmund have made their opinions clear towards the Group and their perceived commercialisation of football.

The group have clubs in Germany (Leipzig), Austria (Salzburg), America (New York) and Brazil (Bragantino).



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These views were brought back to light after Klopp left his position as Liverpool manager in 2024 to join the Red Bull the following year.

Klopp agreed to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull months on from his heartfelt farewell to Anfield.

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This move was seen as a controversial and a puzzling one among Dortmund fans who questioned if Klopp had ‘sold his soul’ whilst other users on X had accused him of being a “hypocrite” and “selling out”.

Watzke is one man associated with Dortmund who does not share this view.

When speaking to the Guardian, He said: “I understand the disappointment and the criticism [of Klopp], but I don’t share it.

“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.”

An announcement from the Red Bull Group explained that Klopp, who has been in his new role since January 1 st , has taken more of a strategic role and will be supporting directors in “advancing the Red Bull philosophy”.

Written into his contract however, is a break clause to return to the touchline to manage the German national team.

Despite the clause, Klopp is confident in the abilities of current German national team boss Julien Nagelsmann.

Klopp said: “Everyone hopes that Julian Nagelsmann will do this for much, much longer than 2026 [World Cup]."

Klopp commented further on his career back in July when he said: “I’m going to do some work.