"I'll tell Klopp personally that it's sh*t he did something like that!"

Jürgen Klopp's decision to accept an offer from Red Bull and become the "global head of football operations" was not warmly received by much of the German football community.

Fans and media alike are mostly disappointed with the decision of the "man of the people" and beloved German coach "to sell out" to a company that does not uphold traditional German football values. Since Red Bull’s entry into German football, the brand has been met with hostility, with many Germans viewing RB Leipzig as an artificial club that undermines the system where fans hold the greatest importance. Thus, Klopp's decision struck a nerve with many who saw him as the antithesis of Red Bull's philosophy and system.

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Among those disappointed is one of Klopp's loyal followers from his time at Dortmund. Kevin Grosskreutz, a Borussia Dortmund product, spent almost his entire career with the club. Klopp is seen as a father figure in his coaching career. Grosskreutz was an anonymous second-division player until Klopp brought him back to Dortmund from Ahlen and shaped his career. Under Klopp, he became an international player, won two German championship titles, played wherever he was needed, and became a fan favorite. He maintained a friendly relationship with Klopp but does not support his latest decision.

Grosskreutz shared with the German media how he felt when he learned that Klopp was joining Red Bull.

“When I woke up, I had 30 messages waiting for me. I thought something important was happening. I read the news and thought I was dreaming. Then, I hoped it was fake news. I was shocked and saddened. It’s still hard for me to accept... I’ll tell him that when we meet. I don't think anyone expected this from him. It’s a very, very strange decision that I still don’t understand. As a football fan, I think Klopp made a big mess. When we meet, I'll still tell him personally that I think it's sh*t that he does something like that! But he’s a friend to whom I owe a lot, and I have to accept his decision,” said Grosskreutz.