Jurgen Klopp, now head of global soccer at Red Bull, has played a key role in Danny Rohl's potential move from Rangers to Red Bull Salzburg. The German coach has emerged as the frontrunner to take over at the Austrian side this summer after just eight months in the Ibrox hot seat.
Rohl's Rise at Rangers
Rohl succeeded Russell Martin at Rangers in October and steered the Glasgow giants back into a title race, only for their championship challenge to collapse in the final weeks of the campaign. Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, just weeks after owner Andrew Cavenagh insisted the 37-year-old would remain as Rangers boss next season.
Klopp's Intervention
Austrian outlet Salzburger Nachrichten reports that it was personal intervention from Liverpool legend Klopp that saw Rohl's name propelled to the front of the queue, sending the Light Blues' pre-season plans into chaos. Salzburg sporting director Marcus Mann had not agreed with the candidates put forward by Red Bull higher-ups before Klopp suggested Rohl.
History with Klopp
This comes a year after Rohl was considered by Klopp and Salzburg as a potential successor for Marco Rose, as he inched towards the Sheffield Wednesday exit. Klopp's involvement could be an X-factor for Rohl, offering an unseen influence on his potential switch to Austrian football. Rohl has previously spoken of his admiration for the Champions League-winning boss and his desire to emulate his 'heavy metal' football style.
During his time at Hillsborough, he said: 'We are trying at the moment to play Heavy Metal like Jurgen Klopp. 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. Both are good things to be successful and this is what we want to try.'
