Jurgen Klopp (L) and Thiago Alcantara (R). Credit: Imago Images
Red Bull’s head of global soccer Jurgen Klopp has personally intervened to push Rangers manager Danny Rohl to the front of Salzburg’s managerial search this summer.
The German coach has emerged as the frontrunner to take charge at the Austrian club after spending just eight months in the Ibrox hot seat.
Rohl succeeded Russell Martin at Rangers back in October and steered the Glasgow giants back into a genuine title race before their challenge collapsed in the final weeks of the campaign.
Discussions between the two clubs remain ongoing about a potential transfer of the manager, just weeks after Rangers owner Andrew Cavenagh publicly insisted the 37-year-old would stay next season.
Austrian outlet Salzburger Nachrichten reports that it was Klopp’s personal involvement that propelled Rohl’s name to the top of the list, sending the Light Blues’ pre-season preparations into chaos.
Salzburg sporting director Marcus Mann had reportedly disagreed with the candidates originally put forward by Red Bull higher-ups before the Liverpool legend stepped in and suggested Rohl as his preferred choice.
The move carries particular significance given that Rohl was already considered by Klopp and Salzburg as a potential successor for Marco Rose a year ago, as he edged toward the exit door at Sheffield Wednesday.
Klopp’s backing could prove to be a decisive and largely unseen factor in Rohl’s potential switch to Austrian football, given the weight his opinion carries within the Red Bull network.
The admiration between the two men runs deep, with Rohl having previously spoken openly about his desire to emulate Klopp’s celebrated approach to the game during his time at Hillsborough.
During his spell at Sheffield Wednesday, Rohl said: “We are trying at the moment to play ‘Heavy Metal’ like Jürgen Klopp.”
He elaborated further on that footballing philosophy, stating: “We never want a slowed-down game, we want to prepare to be attacking as soon as possible and for us attacking is in the pressing moments or in ball possession.”
Rohl added: “Both are good things to be successful and this is what we want to try.”
The situation leaves Rangers in a precarious position as they attempt to build momentum heading into the new season with their manager’s future increasingly uncertain.
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