Jurgen Klopp is now “the Leeds United manager” after taking on a new role behind the scenes at the head of part-owners Red Bull’s footballing division.
This comes after the former Liverpool boss was appointed the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, who own a minority ownership stake of around 10% in the club.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains very well-connected at Elland Road, explained that the 57-year-old will play an advisory role behind the scenes at the Red Bull-owned clubs.
The energy drink brand owns RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Bragantino – all of whom will seemingly see some involvement from Klopp.
His new role within Leeds’ ownership structure will likely see the German influence decisions at Leeds, at least where the 10% stakeholders are concerned.
However, 49ers Enterprises remain the majority shareholders at Leeds and are the chief decision-makers behind the scenes despite Red Bull’s impact.
As a result, Klopp’s direct involvement is likely to be limited, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about his possible role in the club.
Klopp’s new role behind the scenes at Elland Road has raised the idea that he could eventually be appointed as the first-team manager at Leeds – although many have done so in jest.
Robinson rubbished any suggestions that he could take on the managerial job at some stage in the future, although he joked to “never say never”.
“It sounds to me like he’s managing all of these clubs now,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s a link there now with Klopp and Leeds, and that link will always be there.
“But can I honestly see him becoming the manager in the future? No, I can’t.
“When you look at what he’s done in his career and the CV he’s got, this looks to be more of an advisory role for the company rather than a hands-on role.
“If he did ever want to step back into a hands-on role, there’d be a lot of other opportunities for him.
“Never say never, his new involvement in the club might see some kind of strange affinity grow at Elland Road, but in all honesty, I can’t see it ever happening.
“Indirectly, though, he’s now the Leeds manager.”
In other news, huge Leeds transfer update today.
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