Liverpool star speaks out on negative reaction to Jurgen Klopp taking Red Bull job

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has urged fans to "respect" Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull in 2025.

The former Reds boss had promised to be out of work for at least one full year when he left Anfield this summer, only to confirm earlier this week that he will be taking up a role as Red Bull's head of global soccer in January 2025.

It has proven to be an incredibly divisive decision. Many fans of Klopp's former employers Borussia Dortmund have cut ties with the boss after joining forces with Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig, while Klopp has even been accused of walking back on the morals he championed during his time at Liverpool.

Jota, however, has urged fans and critics alike to make peace with Klopp's decision.

"He's a person I have a lot of affection for, we have to respect his decision," the Portugal international told a press conference. "I wish him the best of luck in this new stage."

The criticism of Klopp ramped up following a report which claimed he had actually agreed to the terms of his new role as far back as 2022. It is alleged that Klopp was planning his Liverpool farewell for two years without telling anybody, including those he worked alongside at Anfield.

Jota and Liverpool have already moved on from Klopp, registering nine wins from 10 games under his successor Arne Slot. The Reds are top of the Premier League table, having picked up 18 points from a possible 21, and have recorded two Champions League first phase wins in addition to trouncing West Ham United 5-1 in the Carabao Cup third round.

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