German Jorg Schmadtke has been appointed as Liverpool’s new sporting director.
The 59-year-old, who left a similar role at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at the beginning of 2023 after more than four years, will take up his post on June 1 once work permit formalities have been completed.
He will replace Julian Ward, who is due to leave the club this summer after more than a decade.
We can confirm Jorg Schmadtke has been appointed as the club's new sporting director.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 30, 2023
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon told the club’s website: “Firstly, I would like to welcome Jorg to Liverpool Football Club in the knowledge that he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into a role in which such qualities can only be beneficial both to him and us.
“Jorg will work with our football operations department as it continues to provide support for Jurgen Klopp, in keeping with our ongoing endeavour to keep growing and developing the club in all areas.
“At the same time as we welcome Jorg, we must also bid a fond farewell to Julian Ward, who has served us with unstinting diligence, fortitude and energy in a number of roles, the most recent one being sporting director.
“We wish Julian and his young family the very best for the future and thank him for everything he has done for Liverpool FC during the past 11 years.”
2022/23 = ✅ pic.twitter.com/iI3Y7S30vy
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 28, 2023
Former goalkeeper Schmadtke made more than 300 Bundesliga appearances for Fortuna Dusseldorf, Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach during his playing career before moving into administration.
He had spells at Cologne, Hannover and Alemannia Aachen before joining Wolfsburg.
Klopp does not need a break from management.
Following Sunday's end-to-end 4-4 draw with relegated Southampton, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is relishing the start of next season.
The Reds were all but out of the race for that elusive fourth Premier League spot, but a run of 11 games without defeat saw a dramatic late push.
Ultimately, Liverpool missed out by four points and will have to settle for Europa League football next season.
His side's energetic display toward the end of the campaign has reinvigorated his desire for competition.
“If you’d asked me 11 games ago, ‘Do you want to have a break?’, I would have thought about it, to be honest.
“But I’m absolutely fine, full of energy.
Asked if he needs time off, the Reds boss replied: “No, no, no, not at all. Honestly, I’m completely fine.
Written by By Damian Spellman, PA and Shaun Connolly, Beat
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