Liverpool still have no replacement for Klopp favourite set to leave next summer
Liverpool are yet to finalise a replacement for sporting director Jorg Schmadtke. The German is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season after only a short time in the role.
Liverpool brought Schmadtke to the club in May to replace the departing Julian Ward. It was the 59-year-old’s first job outside of Germany, having spent time at Hannover 96, FC Koln and Wolfsburg across the last decade.
He helped oversee an incredibly busy summer transfer window at Anfield. There were big-name departures from Jurgen Klopp’s squad, including Fabinho and Jordan Henderson who both moved to Saudi Arabia.
Klopp brought in four new signings, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai joining early in the window and Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch signing towards the back end. Schmadtke only signed a short-term contract at Liverpool, though, and that will soon come to an end.
Sky Sport Germany claims Schmadtke will still be at Liverpool for the January window to oversee any transfer business the Reds do. However, it will be his final window at the club.
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The report says all parties are satisfied with what has been achieved since Schmadtke’s arrival but his plan has been to step back. Schmadtke and Klopp remain close friends but it leaves Liverpool needing to find a replacement.
His predecessor Ward spent 11 years at Liverpool but only one season as sporting director after replacing the highly-regarded Michael Edwards in 2022. Liverpool chiefs will want to get a new candidate in place for the start of the 2024 summer transfer period.
Plans will already be in place ahead of January. A centre-back could be on the radar for Klopp following Joel Matip’s season-ending injury, while a defensive midfielder is also desired.
Schmadtke will hope to leave Liverpool on a good note by leading a successful winter window. He explained in August why it was an easy decision to join the Reds, even if it was on a short-term basis.
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Schmadtke told Welt: “I was aware of my position from the outset. I knew the job description and went for it. I accept and respect this British combination in general.
“And in the specific case with Jurgen Klopp as my superior, it’s even easier for me. The name Klopp stands for itself.
“It is well known that things are a little different in England than in Germany. The coach, who is called the manager here, is the decision-maker and determiner.
“So Jurgen Klopp is the pacesetter in Liverpool. In principle, I am a service provider, the assistant for Jurgen and the one who is responsible for the implementation of ideas and activities.”
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