### Jürgen Klopp’s Legacy at Liverpool Remains Untouched, but Germany Sees Him Differently
Jürgen Klopp continues to be a revered figure at Liverpool, but in Germany, his recent career move has tarnished his reputation among many supporters. His decision to take a high-profile role within the Red Bull football network has caused significant controversy, particularly among fans of his former clubs, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.
At 57, Klopp stepped down from his managerial position at Liverpool last summer, leaving behind a lasting legacy at Anfield. His tenure there mirrored the admiration he had previously enjoyed in Germany, where he was once celebrated for his passion, authenticity, and commitment to fan culture. However, his latest career choice has led to a dramatic shift in how he is perceived in his home country.
This weekend, criticism of Klopp will be put on full display at the traditional Rose Monday carnival parade in Mainz, where an elaborate float will depict him in a less-than-flattering light. The float, as reported by ESPN, will feature Klopp wearing a hat adorned with the euro symbol and sporting wings made of money. A cutting inscription on the display will deliver a harsh message:
“For Kloppo, values he once cared about no longer matter. Lured by Red Bull’s money, he has fallen from his pedestal.”
This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among German football fans, who see Klopp’s alignment with Red Bull as a betrayal of the principles he once stood for.
### Why Is Klopp Facing Backlash in Germany?
The core of the outrage stems from Red Bull’s controversial presence in German football, particularly through its ownership of RB Leipzig. Unlike most Bundesliga clubs, where the 50+1 rule ensures that fans maintain majority control, Leipzig operates under a corporate-backed model that many German supporters view as an existential threat to traditional club governance.
RB Leipzig’s rise to prominence has been met with widespread disdain, with many fans seeing them as a manufactured entity that undermines the spirit of German football. In this context, Klopp’s decision to join the Red Bull group is perceived as an endorsement of a system that contradicts the values he previously championed.
For years, Klopp was regarded as a symbol of integrity and authenticity in football. His success at Dortmund, where he built a close connection with fans and emphasized community-driven values, made him a beloved figure. However, by associating himself with Red Bull—a brand that epitomizes commercial influence in football—he has alienated many of his most loyal supporters.
The response has been particularly strong from Dortmund and Mainz fans, who once viewed Klopp as one of their own. His decision to work for Red Bull has been interpreted as a sign that financial gain has taken precedence over the ideals he once upheld. Now, as Mainz fans prepare to mock him at one of Germany’s biggest public celebrations, the divide between Klopp’s enduring Liverpool legacy and his increasingly strained relationship with German football fans has never been more evident.
