Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp has been spotted at the 2026 Winter Olympics after confirming he would have a big role to play for one event
Jurgen Klopp rang the ball for the final lap of the Biathlon at the Winter Olympics
Jurgen Klopp rang the ball for the final lap of the Biathlon at the Winter Olympics (Image: BBC )
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Legendary Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has secured himself a new role... at the Winter Olympics. The German departed his position as Liverpool boss at the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, before assuming the role of Red Bull Global Head of Soccer last year.
Despite stepping away from the demanding world of management, Klopp has continued to be linked with a comeback to club football. Real Madrid emerged as a possible destination following Xabi Alonso's dismissal, but Klopp seems satisfied with his current arrangement at Red Bull.
It will come as a relief to Liverpool supporters, who would undoubtedly be heartbroken by the prospect of Klopp managing another elite European side. However, this comes alongside suggestions that both Chelsea and Manchester United explored the possibility of a potential move after Klopp's Liverpool exit.
That's according to his former agent, Marc Kosicke, who disclosed that United and Chelsea made enquiries about his availability.
The two clubs have strongly denied any such approach, but alongside his Red Bull duties, Klopp has taken on a new assignment elsewhere. That's because he'll be at the 2026 Winter Olympics to ring the bell for the final lap of the men's biathlon relay.
Klopp is understood to be a keen admirer of the endurance discipline, having developed a passion for the sport whilst growing up in Germany's Black Forest.
Moreover, Klopp is reported to have idolised the legendary biathlete, Ole Einar Bjorndalen, who bagged 14 Winter Olympics medals throughout his career.
When asked about his favourite sports outside of football, Klopp said: "I'm a fan of everything.
Jurgen Klopp reacts at LFC Foundation Ball
Jurgen Klopp has revealed his love for several winter sports including the Biathlon relay(Image: PA)
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"I love all alpine skiing, I love all cross-country skiing disciplines, I love biathlon. It's all just exciting. I understand some things better from watching them for years or from doing them myself.
"Other things I don't understand at all. I have no idea how someone can bend down so low in curling, stay stable, and still push a kettle.
"I was even asked if I would like to ring the bell before the last lap. My first question was: What is that? We will be there; it's my first live race."
And his comments were proven true as Klopp was captured by BBC cameras completing that task as France claimed the gold medal, Norway won silver and Sweden secured bronze.
Showcasing his love for the sport, Klopp has previously filmed a documentary with Bjorndalen, with the football coach saying: "I don't think Ole Einar has bigger admirers than me.
"In England they have no idea what biathlon is. They wondered who this Norwegian was, but when I heard it, I said: 'Yes, I want to meet him. Where and when can I meet him?'
"He is actually on my bucket list. Now I can tick that box. It's like meeting Muhammad Ali in boxing. Bjorndalen is biathlon. I try to explain it to the English. He is Franz Beckenbauer, Pele and Bobby Moore in one person."
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