Liverpool
Premier League • England
German football experts stunned at Klopp development as shock Liverpool appointment takes shape
Liverpool’s pursuit of a new sporting director from Jurgen Klopp’s native Germany has led to many raised eyebrows back in his homeland.
VFL Wolfsburg managing director Jorg Schmadtke is the name in question as Klopp looks for a fresh face behind the scenes following a hugely difficult campaign for the Reds this time around.
German football expert Raphael Honigstein states that some German pundits cannot believe that Schmadtke could end up at Anfield, with many believing that the 59-year-old is way too old-school to work with a forward-thinking club like Liverpool.
Speaking on the Walk On Podcast, Honigstein shared his views on the reports coming out of his homeland.
Honigstein said: “He’s hugely experienced, but he’s known for having a huge profile that is comically bad-tempered.
“I think it was an act and a persona, but that explains why some people in Germany were incredulous when they heard that Schmadtke would be considered for the Sporting Director job at Liverpool because he’s seen as quite old-school and as a traditionalist, which we don’t associate with Liverpool.
“Klopp has seen something in him that he likes and I’m sure it was his suggestion.”
Klopp is expected to be backed by the club’s board in any decision that he makes, having built up a high level of trust in his eight years on Merseyside.
Midfield shake-up at Liverpool
Liverpool are expected to have a busy summer in the transfer market, with a revamp of the first-team squad expected.
Midfield is expected to be a big focus of attention for Klopp, with James Milner moving on while the Reds will not be activating a clause to buy on-loan Arthur Melo.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will also be out of contract in the summer.
In terms of incomings, Klopp’s top target Jude Bellingham is seemingly on his way to Real Madrid.
However, the Reds continue to be linked with the likes of Declan Rice, Manuel Ugarte, Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Nicolo Barella.
Liverpool are currently a point off the Champions League spots going into this weekend, although fourth-placed Manchester United have a game in hand.
Klopp’s men are back in action on Monday evening when they head to relegation strugglers Leicester City.