Liverpool have announced that they have appointed Jörg Schmadtke as their new sporting director, a role he previously held at Wolfsburg.
Schmadtke will take over from Julian Ward who is to leave his role as sporting director. Schmadtke has been sporting director at Wolfsburg, 1.FC Köln and Hannover 96 during his time in Germany. The 59-year-old has actually retired at the beginning of the year but the Liverpool job has coaxed him out.
On the appointment of Schmadtke, Fenway Sports (the group that owns Liverpool) president Mike Gordon said: “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 Jürgen 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.”
Schmadtke has been known to spot talent as he has been involved in the signings of Maxcene Lacroix, Micky van de Ven and Ridle Baku at Wolfsburg.
However, he does not come without his controversies as it is common for him to suffer a falling out with managers. At Wolfsburg, Oliver Glasner had led the team to the Champions League but due to a falling out with Schmadtke, he would leave and join Eintracht Frankfurt who he would lead to a Europa League triumph in his first season.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
