Jorg Schmatke, Liverpool’s sporting director since last summer, left Anfield at the end of the transfer window this winter.
A new person is being sought to take charge of the reinforcement department, and relationships with all kinds of talented directors have been reported.
Michael Edwards has been appointed CEO of the football division of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), and personnel moves are underway to build the new structure. He has whitewashed Richard Hughes, who has worked with him in the capacity of analyst and player during his time at Portsmouth.
Hughes is currently the technical director at Bournemouth, where he has been able to implement the right reinforcements on a tight budget. He has been involved in the acquisition of Nathan Ake, Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings, Lloyd Kelly, and Dominic Solanke.
The former Scotland midfielder, who changed clubs this summer to take on a similar position at a larger club, shared his aspirations ahead of his new challenge and revealed that he is excited to consider Liverpool’s present and future.
“I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. Liverpool FC is a unique club and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.”
“People rightly talk about the rich history this organisation can boast, but it is the present and future which really excites me. Jürgen Klopp is leading an outstanding team and squad and alongside that the commitment to young players and their pathway to the first team is also outstanding.”
“I am fully aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with taking this position. It will be my job, working with Michael [Edwards] and leading the football operations team already in place, plus the wider staff at the AXA Training Centre, to make good decisions.”
“That’s really what the job entails: you have to make the kind of good decisions which enhance the prospects of having a team that wins and excites the supporters. It is what Liverpool have done well for a very long time and the benefits are there for everyone to see.”
Liverpoolfc.com
Jurgen Klopp will leave the team at the end of the season and a new coach must be found. Young European coaches such as Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim are among the candidates, and negotiations will now be accelerated.
Unlike Manchester United and Arsenal, where clubs have fallen into a slump after the departure of a great general, will the team and its record be sustained with a German in charge…?