Jurgen Klopp was in the crowd on Saturday to watch second-tier French side Paris FC as part of his new role with Red Bull.
The former Liverpool manager is now head of global soccer for Red Bull’s group of clubs. Among his tasks is turning Paris FC into a leading club in France under the ownership of France’s richest family, the Arnaults of luxury empire LVMH.
The family’s takeover of the second-tier club includes bringing the energy drinks giant on board as a minority stakeholder, which is where Klopp fits in to provide his strategic vision.
‘I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs,’ Klopp said back in October. ‘But ultimately I am one part of an organization that is unique, innovative and forward looking.’
The French league posted a photo of a smiling Klopp in the stands alongside Antoine Arnault – the son of multi-billionaire Bernard Arnault – as they watched Paris FC beat Amiens 1-0. Pierre-Yves Hamal scored the only goal of the game in the 50th minute.
Paris FC are chasing promotion to the top flight and moved provisionally into first place ahead of promotion rival Lorient’s home game against Metz later 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.