Jurgen Klopp Red Bull Update After Glasner Crystal Palace Twist 2026

Key Points

• Jurgen Klopp, global head of soccer at Red Bull since January 2025, is unlikely to leave his position despite rumours linking him to a return to management.
• Reports from Salzburger Nachrichten claimed Klopp might depart this summer due to lack of success across Red Bull clubs, including RB Leipzig’s fifth place in Bundesliga and struggles in Champions League.
• Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace manager until end of 2025-26 season, was tipped as potential replacement for Klopp, but sources describe these reports as “wide of the mark”.
• Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff dismissed departure rumours as “complete nonsense” last month, affirming satisfaction with Klopp’s contributions.
• Glasner confirmed in January 2026 he would not renew his Crystal Palace contract after a meeting with chairman Steve Parish in October 2025, despite winning FA Cup in 2025 and Community Shield.
• Recent speculation links Klopp to Atletico Madrid management amid reported dissatisfaction in his role, though Red Bull sources stand firm on his staying.
• Klopp left Liverpool in summer 2024 after nine years, stating he was “running out of energy”; his Red Bull role involves strategic oversight of clubs like RB Leipzig, Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Bragantino.
• RB Leipzig parted ways with manager Marco Rose in March 2025 after a poor season; current form shows improvement, sitting fourth in Bundesliga as of early 2026.​
• Glasner appointed Crystal Palace manager in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson; led them to record 53 points in 2024-25 Premier League season.​

London (South London News) March 7, 2026 – Speculation surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s future at Red Bull has been quashed by sources close to the organisation, following a reported “twist” involving Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner’s impending departure from Selhurst Park. The former Liverpool boss, who took up the role of global head of soccer at Red Bull in January 2025, remains firmly in position despite rumours of discontent and potential replacements.

Who is Jurgen Klopp and What is His Role at Red Bull?

Jurgen Klopp joined Red Bull as global head of soccer after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season. In this capacity, the 58-year-old oversees the group’s football portfolio, including RB Leipzig (Germany), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria), New York Red Bulls (USA), and Red Bull Bragantino (Brazil).

As reported by ESPN staff in their article on Klopp’s expanded responsibilities, his role has grown beyond initial expectations, involving strategic development, coaching advice, and player recruitment discussions across the clubs.

Klopp himself described it as an advisory position to support often “lonely” coaches, aligning with his history of building projects at Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool.

What Triggered the Rumours of Klopp Leaving Red Bull?

The initial spark came from an Austrian newspaper, Salzburger Nachrichten, which on February 25, 2026, suggested Klopp could exit this summer due to underwhelming results since his arrival.

The report highlighted RB Leipzig’s fifth place in the Bundesliga, struggles in the Champions League, and Salzburg’s distant fifth in the Austrian league, with Bragantino 18th in Brazil.

According to a summary in Yahoo Sports by an unnamed reporter, the paper claimed

“sporting advancements have not met expectations,”

leaving both Klopp and Red Bull dissatisfied. This followed a poor 2024-25 for Leipzig, who finished seventh and missed Europe, leading to Marco Rose’s sacking in March 2025.

Daily Mail coverage noted particular unrest at RB Leipzig, currently battling for Champions League spots, exacerbating perceptions of limited progress under Klopp’s oversight.​

Who is Oliver Glasner and Why the Crystal Palace Connection?

Oliver Glasner, the Austrian coach, was appointed Crystal Palace manager on February 19, 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson on a deal until end of 2025-26. He watched his first match, a 1-1 draw at Everton, from the stands alongside chairman Steve Parish.​

Glasner delivered historic success: Palace won their first major trophy, the FA Cup, 1-0 against Manchester City on May 17, 2025, and beat Liverpool 3-2 on penalties for the 2025 Community Shield on August 10, 2025. They finished 12th in 2024-25 with a record 53 points.

However, on January 15, 2026, Glasner confirmed he would leave at season’s end. As reported by ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Alex Kirkland, he stated,

“My decision has already been taken months ago. I had a meeting [with chairman Steve Parish] in the October international break, we had dinner and a very long talk and I told him I would not sign a new contract for Crystal Palace.”​

Why Was Oliver Glasner Linked to Replacing Jurgen Klopp?

Salzburger Nachrichten positioned Glasner as the “top favourite” to succeed Klopp, citing his impending Palace exit and past Red Bull ties as co-trainer under Roger Schmidt at Salzburg. The report suggested Red Bull would not block Klopp’s return to coaching if he desired it.

Football Insider 247 sources described claims of Glasner replacing Klopp as “wide of the mark,” with Klopp unlikely to leave. Mirror Sport noted Glasner remained focused on Palace’s FA Cup bid despite the link-up prospect with Klopp.

oe24.at’s coverage amplified the “hammer-gerücht” (bombshell rumour), stating Glasner could return to Red Bull, though he is also linked to English top clubs.​

What is Red Bull’s Official Stance on Klopp’s Position?

Red Bull has robustly denied any departure. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bull’s corporate projects, called the rumours “complete nonsense” last month, as per Liverpool Echo reporting.

BVM Sports detailed Mintzlaff reaffirming satisfaction with Klopp’s work, noting his contract runs to 2029 and emphasising his strategic importance. Bild, via Yahoo Sports, reported Red Bull insisting no immediate separation, though a mutual reassessment if Klopp wants to coach again is not ruled out.

Football Insider 247 sources echoed this, stating Klopp’s stance is to stay at Red Bull post-Glasner “twist”.​

Has Klopp Expressed Any Desire to Return to Management?

Klopp has not indicated a wish to coach soon. After Liverpool, his agent stressed contentment in the Red Bull role. Liverpool Echo noted his perspective “shifting” amid links, but no confirmation.

Recent reports link him to Atletico Madrid, with Express Sport claiming he is “in advanced negotiations” for a return, amid role dissatisfaction and Glasner as replacement talk. Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle reported claims of unhappiness, but Red Bull dismissed them.

Goal.com sources said Klopp is “not enjoying” the corporate side compared to management, fuelling summer exit speculation.​

What is the Current Performance of Red Bull Clubs Under Klopp?

Despite early criticism, improvements are evident. RB Leipzig sit fourth in Bundesliga, three points behind Dortmund, post a disappointing 2024-25. They endured a winless Bundesliga run until recently, losing 5-1 to Wolfsburg, but beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the cup.

Salzburg qualified for Club World Cup but struggles in league and Champions League. New York Red Bulls reached MLS Cup final. Bragantino lags in Brazil.​

The New York Times’ Athletic reported Palace’s intent to retain Glasner until season end after positive talks, despite his criticisms post-Sunderland loss.​

What Does This Mean for Crystal Palace and Glasner’s Future?

Glasner’s exit creates uncertainty at Palace. Reuters noted his achievements make him sought-after, with Manchester United speculation. He felt “abandoned” after Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City and board decisions.

Palace intend to keep him until June 2026, per positive Sunday discussions after his Friday announcement.​

Broader Implications for Football Management Landscape

Klopp’s stability at Red Bull underscores the appeal of strategic roles post-management burnout. His influence has led to roles like Rouven Schroder’s promotion at Salzburg. Glasner’s Palace success highlights Austrian coaches’ Premier League impact.​

Sources across Football Insider, Liverpool Echo, ESPN, and others confirm the Glasner-Klopp link as overstated, with Red Bull prioritising continuity.