New Training Facility for Red Bulls Opened by Jurgen Klopp
Manager Jurgen Klopp delivered a straightforward message to the young players at the opening of the Red Bull New York’s new training facility in Morristown, New Jersey.
“Make good use of it,” Klopp, who leads Red Bull’s global football efforts, emphasized.
The RWJ Barnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center represents a significant investment, reportedly in the nine figures, by Red Bull New York’s parent company. The club is hopeful that this facility will cultivate a wealth of future talent.
“It’s clear how impressive this building is,” Klopp remarked. “A new training center brings responsibility. Use it wisely. We want you to be ambitious and competitive. Please ensure you and your teammates take full advantage of it.”
“Now, with this facility, there shouldn’t be any excuses. Everything you need is here. It’s all provided, though without too much pressure.”
The new complex boasts eight fields—five heated and one turf—as well as a hydrotherapy area, a 4,635 square foot professional gym, and a full kitchen, with a teaching kitchen for chefs and nutritionists to educate academy and professional players about meal prep.
Additionally, the building has dedicated spaces for teaching with classrooms and coaching clinics, along with advanced training technology to support player development and analytics.
While the atmosphere is geared toward nurturing top talent, Julian de Guzman, the head of sports for Red Bull New York, mentioned that the club is expected to win as well.
“We aim to be competitive and secure trophies,” de Guzman stated after the ceremony. “That’s fundamental to Red Bull’s philosophy. However, achieving that for our young players is challenging. To maintain the pressure, we must provide the right environment for player development.”
Various topics about the future of sports were discussed on Wednesday, especially with the World Cup approaching. The new 80-acre facility is expected to play a role in that context.
The Red Bulls’ training center will serve as the home base for the Brazilian national team during the tournament, and Klopp mentioned that it didn’t require much convincing for Brazil’s manager Carlo Ancelotti to come and see it.
MLS commissioner Don Garber stated that the facility is part of the foundation for American soccer.
“It’s about providing opportunities for the next generation of players, whether at a development center or a stadium,” he noted.
Garber didn’t hesitate to add a bit of pressure, too.
“This facility is for you, and we expect you to win trophies and represent the country. When your playing days are over, you can either work here in MLS or be remembered as a legend in the sport,” he declared.
