Basti Red about Jürgen Klopp as the new national coach
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Is Jürgen Klopp’s involvement with Red Bull damaging his reputation as national coach? Podcaster Basti Red takes a clear stance in “The WM-WG”.
Munich – How does Germany look at Jürgen Klopp as the new national coach? And how are the reports received that Klopp will presumably remain the drinks company’s brand ambassador even if he signs with the DFB? In our daily YouTube show “The WM-WG” from Absolut Fussball powered by IPPEN.MEDIA, podcaster Basti Red exclusively made his opinion clear on these questions.
Basti Red in “The WM-WG” by Absolut Fussball powered by IPPEN.MEDIA about …
… Jürgen Klopp as the new national coach: “If you had asked me that two or three years ago, before he went to Red Bull, I would actually have been hyped. That was really my wish for years. I’m still convinced that it can work. However, I have to say that he has been damaged a bit by the Red Bull story.”
… the reports that Klopp will remain Red Bull’s brand ambassador as national coach: “I think this trade has an almost mafia-like structure: ‘Hey, hey, you don’t have to give me any money, but I might ask for a different kind of favor at one point or another.’ I believe that the DFB underestimates this in its financial emergency situation. I think that at least active football fans still have a problem with Red Bull.”
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… which Frankfurters could play a role under Klopp: “I actually believe that Younes Ebnoutalib could be a player who suits Jürgen Klopp exactly. He has an incredible physique. He’s a young player, of course you don’t expect him at first glance. But I think Klopp has shown that he can turn such players into absolute bosses.”
…Jonathan Burkardt’s chances under Klopp: “With Johnny Burkhardt, I would like him to fully arrive in Frankfurt first. And then we can take another look. He’s more of a 90s striker. But I think what could speak for Johnny Burkhardt is that he’s also a good pressing striker. Klopp likes that.”
… the increasing commercialization of the World Cup: “At FIFA, I’ve already gotten used to it, partly out of self-protection. Having such a naive, idealistic hope that things will go in a different direction: I’ve already given up on that. Who would have thought that at some point people would say that Sepp Blatter, in contrast to Infantino, is almost a man of integrity? So that’s actually, I think, a good description of what’s happening.”
… the possible expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams: “My inner Monk would actually welcome that. We’re not going to turn it back anyway. Then at least make it so that you have enough groups that only the first two advance. Not a system with any best third parties.”
… Drinking breaks in the Bundesliga: “Try to establish that in the Bundesliga, but then you’ll have more tennis balls on the court than you can sell advertising space. I have the feeling that in the cosmos in which you move, the Bundesliga, there can at least be a counterweight that says: Hey guys, this far and no further. You don’t have that anymore at World Championships. You can just observe it from the outside, even with a certain fascination.”
… his way of watching the World Cup: “Of course, you still notice that you’re watching the tournament like a little child. It’s a World Cup – and when it kicks off, I try to ignore certain things. But at the latest with this Balogun story and the red card, you were brought back to reality. That no longer has anything to do with what you want.”
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… a possible reconciliation with the DFB team: “I was still a bit hyped about this Klopp thing. And if the next news is: Red Bull should stay very, very closely involved, then I’m out. In the end, that’s not something where I say: Hey, I’m angry and I want to fight for it. But I will say: If this is a Red Bull Klopp, then that’s a no-go for me and then I’m out.”
... about the EM 2028 in Great Britain and Ireland: “A tournament in the UK with the fan groups that are there – that’s definitely something that I still find cool and that I’m up for. And since I’ve already said: Hey guys, if you’re planning any shows with me: I’m not available this month.”