Liverpool have announced the appointment of Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director
Schmadtke will take over from Julian Ward. He has served as sporting director at Wolfsburg, 1.FC Koln, and Hannover 96 during his time in Germany.
The 59-year-old retired earlier this year, but the lure of the Liverpool job enticed him back into the football world.
The Dusseldorf-born director is famous for his keen eye for talent. Schmadtke has been instrumental in identifying promising players.
His superb finds during his tenure at Wolfsburg include Maxence Lacroix, Micky van de Ven and Ridle Baku.
His ability to spot and nurture potential stars will undoubtedly benefit Liverpool’s recruitment strategy.
However, it’s worth noting that Schmadtke hasn’t been without his share of controversies. He has had a history of falling out with managers.
At Wolfsburg, his disagreement with Oliver Glasner ultimately led to the manager’s departure.
Glasner later joined Eintracht Frankfurt and achieved success by winning the Europa League in his first season.
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon said (via Liverpool’s official 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 eleven years.”
