Rio Ferdinand backs Jurgen Klopp after Leizpig sporting director Rouven Schroder admits 'not everyone' is happy

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Jurgen Klopp has faced criticism for accepting a new position as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, just a few months after leaving Liverpool. The role will supposedly allow him to offer support to the likes of RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose. Rouven Schroder, the Bundesliga club's sporting director, has admitted the unexpected appointment has split opinion.

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RB Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder has conceded "maybe not everyone" is happy that Jurgen Klopp has taken up a position with Red Bull, but TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand has backed the move.

The former Liverpool boss has been heavily criticised by some fans in Germany after being named as the company's Head of Global Soccer.

It means he will be on hand to offer support to managers at clubs such as RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.

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That has upset supporters at Mainz, where the 57-year-old cut his teeth in the dugout, before moving on to Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, Rouven said: "Jurgen Klopp is so important for German football and the fans.

"Okay, Jurgen Klopp is thinking a little bit the other way, maybe to take the next step.

"He was an amazing coach at Mainz, in Dortmund and Liverpool and now he wants maybe the next step in his career.

"I think it’s normal and as he said, he’s the normal one and that’s it. He’s a normal human being to say, no, I want to change a little bit."

Klopp will take up his position in the new year. Schroder added: "He is amazing for us, for Red Bull, for Leipzig, for German football.

"Everyone is happy, maybe not everyone, but I think Red Bull is happy.

"I think Jurgen Klopp is an amazing guy, an amazing coach. There’s so much attitude, leadership and we are so happy. For Red Bull, maybe it’s a great step."

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Klopp stood down as Liverpool boss in the summer after nearly nine years at the helm.

During his time on Merseyside, he guided the Reds to three UEFA Champions League finals, winning one in 2019, while he also ended the club's long wait to lift the Premier League title.

Just months after returning to Germany, he accepted his new role at Red Bull, and TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand backed the career change.

"I wasn't surprised, to be honest with you," he told TNT Sports. "He seemed like he'd put himself through a lot of stress with that job.

"That's what comes with it. You're trying to win the big trophies consistently, building teams, and the day to day.

"This just seems like less stress, less responsibility and you're getting paid. Great job. And he's still in the game. He's earned the right. He's given his life to football for many years."

'Less stress, less responsibility' - Ferdinand, McManaman on Klopp taking Leipzig role

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The news that the 51-year-old was taking on the role came as a shock to RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose, though.

He has revealed that he knew nothing of Klopp's new job.

"I was surprised," Rose said. "I got the information from our CEO, Oliver [Mintzlaff], one day before and I said, okay wow.

"But I’m happy because to use his experience, to use his energy, it can just be good for us."

'He's sitting in his slippers!'

While the news has been met with some dismay in Germany, the same cannot be said on Merseyside, where the reaction has been somewhat indifferent.

Many Liverpool fans were left disconsolate by Klopp's departure at the end of last season.

Former Reds winger Steve McManaman told TNT Sports: "Yes, there's been a little bit of fall back, especially the German side of it.

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"But when you talk about New York Red Bulls etc. and their franchises across the world, if he can help those emerging leagues in those countries, it'll be fantastic.

"The main thing is there's no stress. He's not working 24 hours a day on the Red Bull project, is he? He's sitting in his slippers having a cigar, getting paid by Red Bull!

"All credit to him. I think we'd all take that job. He's earned the right. If he wants the German national job, I bet you there's a clause in that contract to say he can have that German national job!"

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