Former Liverpool FC, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 manager Jürgen Klopp outlined his vision for Red Bull New York to become the top destination for youth talents in the United States.

The 59-year-old head of global soccer for Red Bull GmbH spoke during Red Bull New York’s Soccer Celebration event at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday.

Klopp, who ushered in seven major trophies at Liverpool, is now making an impact on long-term strategy across Red Bull GmbH-owned clubs worldwide. Part of that plan is ensuring that Red Bull New York recruits and develops some of America’s most promising youngsters.

Youth Development Is Central To Red Bull New York’s Long-Term Strategy

“At Red Bull New York, we want to do things slightly differently,” Klopp explained to presenter Eliza Andrus. “We want to be the club for the real talents in the USA. We want, first and foremost, to have them come from our own youth department, from our second team. For young players, we want to be the club.”

Should Red Bull New York’s academy and MLS NEXT Pro reserve side, Red Bull New York II, continue to produce high-potential talents like Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, it will be a healthy thing for U.S. soccer as a whole. Hall previously represented the United States under-15 and under-17 teams, while Mehmeti has played for the U.S. under-15 team.

Goalkeepers Toby Szewczyk and Aidan Stokes and midfielders Deven Cadigan and Paul Sokoloff have recently played for the U.S. under-17 team.

“This country is ready for soccer,” Klopp stated. “What we need is more players, and you get more players if you invest more in the youth. Everybody needs to have the opportunity to play sports, especially [soccer].”

Klopp Praises Michael Bradley And Red Bull New York’s Progress

Red Bull New York currently sits in fifth place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference with 22 points gained through 15 matches played. Under the guidance of first-year MLS head coach Michael Bradley, the Red Bulls have put their trust in Hall, Mehmeti and left-back Matthew Dos Santos to play prominent roles as the Harrison, New Jersey-based club hopes to return to the MLS Cup playoffs.

“We have played absolutely a good season,” Klopp “We have one of the most interesting coaches in U.S. football, the soccer legend Michael Bradley. He’s super ambitious, he really wants to go for it, with all our support. We have a really exciting team. That’s the start. Let’s see where we can go.”

Red Bull New York will return to action against the Philadelphia Union on July 22 at Subaru Park. The match is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time kick-off and Apple TV will carry the broadcast.

More Red Bull New York Coverage

Why Red Bull New York Teenagers Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall Are Central to the USMNT 2030 Vision

Bradley: Red Bull New York Plans Talks With Rhys Williams And Agent, Highlights Klopp’s Input

Julian de Guzman Q&A Part 1: Red Bull New York Transfer Strategy, Julian Hall’s Future, Youth Development

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