Bayern patron Uli Hoeneß doubts Jürgen Klopp’s commitment to the RB cosmos.
“I was very surprised that Klopp chose such a job. I have always admired Jürgen Klopp as a coach who is on the pitch, who develops a team, who brings a team forward with his personality,” said Hoeneß in the “OMR Podcast”.
He could never imagine Klopp as an official “who drives around the country to New York and looks after the various teams.” Hoeneß’ conclusion: “I don’t think it will be a reasonably good model in the long term.”
Klopp’s commitment triggers criticism
Klopp – previously only working as a coach – took over the role of Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull last January. The commitment triggered a wave of criticism and outrage – especially among German football fans. Klopp himself always rejected the criticism.
Hoeneß emphasized again in the podcast that the 58-year-old almost ended up at FC Bayern in 2008.
“When Jürgen Klopp left Mainz 05, I called him shortly before Christmas to ask whether he could imagine working at Bayern Munich,” said Hoeneß.
Hoeneß: “I let Karl-Heinz persuade me”
However, Klopp’s promise was followed by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s wish to bring former national coach Jürgen Klinsmann to the record champions.
“Of course I was in a bit of a mess having to tell Jürgen Klopp that. Then at the beginning of January I confessed to him that I had let Karl-Heinz persuade me to take on the Klinsmann adventure,” revealed Hoeneß.
Instead of Bayern, Klopp went to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2008. With the black and yellow he became German champion twice.
Subscribe to the football newsletter and always stay up to date! All goals, transfers and news from the top international leagues straight to your inbox
