Liverpool have appointed Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director, replacing Julian Ward who has left the role after 11 years at Anfield. Schmadtke, 59, was most recently the sporting director at Wolfsburg, where he spent four and a half years. During this time, the club qualified for the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Bundesliga at the end of the 2020-21 season.
Liverpool have had a largely disappointing season, finishing fifth and outside the Champions League qualification spots in the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17. In the Champions League they were knocked out by Real Madrid in the last 16, and they suffered fourth-round exits in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Manager Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool have struggled at times this season but is confident the club will challenge for trophies again next campaign.
Schmadtke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, which Liverpool believe will be beneficial to both him and the club. He will work with the football operations department to provide support for Klopp, as part of their ongoing endeavour to keep growing and developing the club in all areas.
The club is expected to be busy in the transfer window this summer following the exits of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino. As they welcome Schmadtke, they must also bid farewell to Julian Ward who has served them with unstinting diligence, fortitude and energy in a number of roles.