Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has explained his relationship with Jurgen Klopp after the former Liverpool boss took on a role with Red Bull.
Sports drinks giant Red Bull is a strategic investor in Leeds, having bought a minority stake in the club in May 2024.
One of the benefits of the deal with Red Bull is access to their global sporting network, which includes former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is the group’s Head of Global Soccer.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has a long working relationship with Klopp, with both managers having spent time at Borussia Dortmund, although not at the same time.
Now, the Leeds boss has explained how his relationship with Klopp has been impacted by his appointment with Red Bull, claiming he has 24/7 access to the former Premier League manager.
Daniel Farke explains his relationship with Red Bull’s Jurgen Klopp
Speaking to the Spielmacher podcast, Farke opened up on his ongoing relationship with Klopp and how his role with Red Bull influences this.
According to Farke, although Leeds have access to Red Bull’s official channels, the club remains independent. However, he can still access Klopp 24 hours a day if needed, given their long-standing personal relationship.
Farke said: “Leeds isn’t a typical Red Bull club that’s been taken over and where the RB philosophy is enforced. Red Bull is a strategic investor. You can maybe compare it in Germany to Adidas at Bayern Munich or an automotive partner.
“We’re glad to have such a strong partner, a good network, and even if questions arise, there are channels – but Leeds United are structured differently and remains an independent club.
“With Jürgen, you know that as a coach at that level, there’s little time to philosophise about such things. So for me, if I have a question, request, or need advice, he’s available 24/7 – and he still is.
“The only difference now is that you can count it as working hours. Otherwise, nothing has changed in that relationship.”
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Jurgen Klopp had a perfect track record against Leeds United manager
Although Klopp and Farke both came through the German system and both spent time at Dortmund, with Farke joining as second-team coach shortly after Klopp departed, the two managers’ paths only crossed when they were both in England.
Klopp has the upper hand in meetings between the two, according to Transfermarkt, having won all four games he has coached against Farke.
Jurgen Klopp’s record against Daniel Farke
- Played: 4
- Won: 4
- Goals Scored: 11
- Goals Conceded: 1
The former Liverpool manager’s first win over Farke came in 2019, as he steered Liverpool to a 4-1 win at Anfield against Norwich, and that trend continued in the subsequent meetings.
Klopp has won three of those four games by three goals, with the closest Farke came to securing a point coming in February 2020, as Norwich fell to a narrow 1-0 home loss.
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