Diogo Jota breaks Liverpool dressing room silence over Jurgen Klopp's new job

Jurgen Klopp has been appointed Red Bull's new Global Head of Soccer after stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season

Diogo Jota has become the first Liverpool player to react to Jurgen Klopp's new job as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.

The 57-year-old German will begin his new venture in January after stepping down from his role as Liverpool head coach at the end of last season.

Jota, speaking to Portuguese outlet Record while away on international duty, said of his former boss: “Klopp? He’s a person I have a lot of affection for, we have to respect his decision. I wish him the best of luck in this new stage.”

The Champions League and Premier League winner, who has enjoyed a quiet summer relaxing in his Mallorca mansion, remains adamant he will never manage again despite opting to remain within the game.

That said, his Red Bull deal reportedly includes a break clause that would allow him to coach the Germany national team in the future, should the opportunity arise.

The Anfield icon said earlier this week, when explaining the move: “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this. The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.

“By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learn from other sports and other industries. Together we can discover what is possible.

“I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately, I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking.”

The move has not come without controversy in Klopp's native Germany, where Borussia Dortmund fans are questioning his affiliation to the club now he will be assisting rivals RB Leipzig.

Red Bull also Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls plus Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino. Earlier this year, they also acquired a minority stake in Leeds United while also taking over as their front-of-shirt sponsor.

Klopp had previously been lined up by the USMNT job but he rejected an offer before they eventually moved to appoint former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

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