Jurgen Klopp has hit the ski slopes as he enjoys the final bit of his down time before starting his new job at Red Bull.
The former Liverpool boss stepped down from his role in the Anfield dugout back in May before later confirming his new role as Red Bull’s global head of soccer.
The German will take up the role – which requires Klopp to be responsible for the international network of all football clubs under the Red Bull umbrella – on January 1st.
However, ahead of his first official day on the job, the 57-year-old has taken himself to the ski slopes as he enjoys his first Christmas off in 10 years.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Klopp shared a series of pictures and videos of himself on the slopes while wearing a bright orange ski suit.
His caption read: ‘Incredible views and an amazing time!’
Jurgen Klopp took to the slopes to enjoy his final bit of downtime before starting his new role
The former Liverpool boss shared a video of himself skiing down a mountain
Given that Klopp joined Liverpool in October 2015, it marks the first Christmas in a decade that the German has not had to worry about work.
Prior to his time at the Reds, Klopp spent seven years with Borussia Dortmund – who enjoy a winter break along with the rest of the Bundesliga during the festive period.
Though Klopp has spoken with excitement over his new role, the 57-year-old has also received a lot of criticism since agreeing to become head of global soccer at Red Bull.
The Austrian drinks giant owns Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino and has a stake in Leeds United. While not technically owning RB Leipzig, it is also finances the Bundesliga team.
German Football Association laws state German clubs must operate on a ’50+1′ rule, meaning members – essentially fans – own the majority of shares and can influence decisions such as ticket prices.
RB Leipzig were accused of exploited the system by having just 17 members with voting rights – most directly linked to Red Bull – and got around a law stating teams must not be named after sponsors by officially calling the club RasenBallsport Leipzig, which translates as LawnBallsport Leipzig.
And supporters of Holstein Kiel who were facing Leipzig in the league on Saturday made their feelings clear over Klopp’s move by unfurling a banner which showed the former Borussia Dortmund caught in the crosshairs, next to a gravestone.
The former Liverpool boss will take on the role on January 1 after signing a long-term deal
Klopp is shown in the crosshairs next to a gravestone in a banner at a Bundesliga match
Following that protest, Klopp defended his decision to join Red Bull, arguing that you can’t make everyone happy.
‘I did not want to step on anyone’s toes,’ he told former Germany, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos’ podcast.
‘I love all my former clubs, but I don’t know what I could have done so that everyone is happy.
‘I am 57 and can still work a few more years, but I did not see myself on the sidelines for now. It was clear for me that I would do something – so then Red Bull came.’
