RB Leipzig will face Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, a match overshadowed by the figure of former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, whose recent past and upcoming role intertwine in this clash.
Though Klopp, 57, won’t be present at the Red Bull Arena, his influence is undeniable. After stepping down as Liverpool manager last summer, citing exhaustion after a trophy-laden nine-year stint, Klopp returned to football in October—not as a coach but as the head of Red Bull’s football operations, which includes overseeing clubs such as Leipzig, Salzburg, and New York.
Klopp’s official duties begin in January, and he has opted to keep a low profile until then. Nevertheless, his appointment has raised eyebrows in both Germany and England, especially given the quirky fixture list that sees Leipzig playing against Klopp’s former teams, including Mainz, Liverpool, and Borussia Dortmund, in quick succession.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose, who played under Klopp at Mainz, was asked if he would seek advice from his former mentor ahead of Wednesday’s crucial tie. Rose dismissed the idea, saying, “Kloppo is in Mallorca, enjoying some peace and quiet with his family.”
Leipzig, who lifted the 2023 German Cup under Rose, have struggled in Europe this season, losing late goals to Atletico Madrid and Juventus. With no points yet in their Champions League group, the game against Premier League leaders Liverpool is pivotal.
Both teams share strong domestic form, built on resolute defences. Leipzig have kept six clean sheets in seven Bundesliga matches, while Liverpool, under Klopp’s successor Arne Slot, have conceded just three goals in eight league games, the best in the Premier League.
Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulasci acknowledged the challenge, praising Liverpool’s defence and structured play under Slot, while also noting Leipzig’s need to convert their performances into results on the European stage.