Jurgen Klopp has taken up a new role with the German Football League (DFL) as part of a newly formed expert group aimed at improving the nation's game. The former Liverpool manager, who is currently Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, joins former Real Madrid star Sami Khedira and several top club officials on the committee.
Klopp returns to help shape German football’s future
The DFL announced that Klopp and other members will focus on strengthening youth development, improving club structures, and setting long-term goals to keep the Bundesliga competitive. According to the league's governing body, the expert group will work on developing young talent and enhancing club standards across the league.
"The expert group will address, among other things, the training and integration of talented players as well as the further development of club standards and structures. Initial results are to be discussed in the league committees in spring 2026 and subsequently with all 36 clubs," the statement read.
AdvertisementGettyBig names join ex-Liverpool boss on the panel
Klopp will be joined by several legends from German football, including 2014 World Cup winner Khedira, St. Pauli’s Andreas Bornemann, Bayern Munich’s Jochen Sauer, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Markus Krosche and Nuremberg’s Joti Chatzialexiou. Together, they will work alongside DFL and German Football Association (DFB) executives Marc Lenz and Andreas Rettig to guide the future of German football.
DFL managing director Marc Lenz said the aim is to keep German football competitive in every area. “We are convinced that the financial, legal, and sporting frameworks must be right to keep the Bundesliga and German football consistently competitive,” he said. "We need to draw the right conclusions together. The expert group will provide valuable input in this regard."
A new chapter for Klopp after Liverpool
For Klopp, this marks the next step in his football journey after a successful coaching career. Before his iconic spell at Liverpool, Klopp made his name in Germany with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. At Mainz, he spent seven years as manager, guiding the club to its first-ever Bundesliga promotion in 2004. His success earned him a move to Dortmund in 2008, where he transformed the team into one of Europe’s most exciting sides. Klopp led the German club to two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal, and a memorable run to the 2013 Champions League final. He then moved to the Premier League in 2015, where he guided Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in 2020.
The 58-year-old left Anfield in May 2024 after nearly a decade in charge, during which he also won the Champions League and multiple domestic titles. Since January, he has served as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, overseeing clubs like RB Leipzig, Salzburg, and New York Red Bulls, under a contract running until 2029.
AFPKlopp’s new role puts an end to managerial rumours
Klopp’s new position with the DFL has put a pause on rumours about his return to a managerial role. The former Liverpool boss was recently linked with Saudi side Al-Ittihad, who parted ways with Laurent Blanc after just four games. Earlier, Benfica's presidential candidate Cristovao Carvalho vowed to appoint the German if elected. But with Klopp now joining the DFL’s expert group while continuing his work as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, talk of a quick return to the touchline looks to be off the table, at least for now.