Jurgen Klopp has spoken out in defense of RB Leipzig, addressing recent criticism of the German club’s performance this season
This is Klopp's first job since leaving Liverpool last summer, saying he was too tired to keep going as the Reds' head coach. He has now admitted he turned down the Germany job while at Anfield, sent a warning to record signing Florian Wirtz and spoken about his replacement, Arne Slot.
RB Leipzig, known for its data-driven recruitment model and focus on developing young talent, has faced increasing scrutiny after falling short of expectations in both domestic and European competitions last season.
Under both Marco Rose and Ole Werner, Leipzig has struggled for consistency last season, finishing seventh in the Bundesliga and exiting the Champions League in the first round of the new format and failed to qualify for the competition next season.
Some critics argue the club’s reliance on selling top talent—such as Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Christopher Nkunku—has stunted their ability to maintain momentum.
The former Liverpool boss, now involved with Red Bull’s global football operations, spoke candidly about Leipzig’s project, his new role, and what he sees as a misguided rush to assess impact.
In an interview with Welt, Klopp said: “RB Leipzig did an outstanding job for years. “But clubs like Bayern or now Manchester City in England also go through phases when things don’t go well. Just because they didn’t qualify for the Champions League this time doesn’t mean everything is bad.”
The fact Leipzig finished outside of the Bundesliga top four last season, sparking questions about their long-term trajectory and the effectiveness of their model. Klopp dismissed those concerns as premature and pointed to a broader trend of overreacting to short-term results.
“And to be honest: when I read or hear that the 'Klopp effect' hasn’t happened yet — that’s crazy,” added the 58-year-old, referencing recent media claims. “Just like with Real Madrid right now, where after just three training sessions and the first competitive match at the Club World Cup, people are already missing the ' Alonso effect.' What’s that about? It just proves to me again how little we should care sometimes about what’s said or written.”
Jurgen Klopp waving
Jurgen Klopp has criticized the narrative surrounding RB Leipzig (Image: Getty Images)
Now part of Red Bull’s overarching football structure, Klopp made it clear that he is still in the early days of understanding and advising, rather than taking immediate, sweeping action.
Klopp said: “No. I’m still in the getting-to-know phase and I’m not going to change everything overnight.
"For me, it’s about development, about strategy – and about supporting and advising the key people in the Red Bull football clubs. And that includes more than just Leipzig.”
Nonetheless, Klopp reaffirmed his commitment to helping Leipzig rediscover the edge that made them one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting teams.
He added: "But if we focus on Leipzig for now, it’s up to us to figure out how we can once again find talents and give wings to players who are ready to take the next step — and ready to work hard off the ball in a team that has always been a challenger and still is."