Jurgen Klopp attended Paris FC’s game on Saturday as part of his new role with Red Bull.
The former Liverpool manager currently oversees global soccer for Red Bull’s clubs. Among his responsibilities is to transform Paris FC into a major club in France under the ownership of France’s wealthiest family, the Arnaults of luxury conglomerate LVMH.
The family’s acquisition of the second-tier club entails getting the energy drinks conglomerate on board as a minority stakeholder, which is where Klopp comes in to deliver his strategic vision.
‘I consider my function primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs,’ Klopp stated in October.
‘But ultimately, I am a part of an enterprise that is distinctive, original, and forward-thinking.’
The French league shared a snapshot of a happy Klopp in the stands with Antoine Arnault, the son of multibillionaire Bernard Arnault, as they watched Paris FC defeat Amiens 1-0.Pierre-Yves Hamal scored the game’s sole goal in the 50th minute.
Paris FC is chasing promotion to the top division and has moved into first place ahead of promotion opponent Lorient’s home game against Metz on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp watched second-tier French side Paris FC as part of his new role with Red Bull.
Klopp, Red Bull’s head of global soccer, saw Paris FC secure a 1-0 victory against Amiens
Klopp speaks to Red Bull technical director Mario Gomez (C) and ex-Brazil player Rai (R)
Klopp officially started work as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer in October.
He has already held talks with Mario Gomez, the former Germany striker who is Red Bull’s technical director.
‘Of course, Jurgen and I have been in contact for a long time, but he also made it very clear that he will only be operational from January,’ Gomez said.
Last month Klopp also spoke to Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff and Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer.
Klopp is also set to talk to Leipzig boss Marco Rose, who he knows from their time together at Mainz.
Leipzig are unable to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League having lost all six of their games in the competition.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp addressed the Paris FC supporters after the game
Klopp will also have assignments in Brazil with Sao Paulo and Red Bull Bragantino, while he will assess New York Red Bulls during their pre-season training camp in California.
It is anticipated that Klopp will visit Japan next month to watch Omiya Ardija.
Although Red Bull have a stake in Leeds United, Klopp will not take an active role because of his previous association with Liverpool.