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Liverpool appoint Jorg Schmadtke as new sporting director.
Liverpool have announced the appointment of Jorg Schmadtke as the club’s new sporting director succeeding Julian Ward, who now leaves Anfield after 11 years in various roles.
Schmadtke was formerly the sporting director at Wolfsburg for four years and will begin work at Liverpool on June 1st, subject to work permit processes.
The 59-year-old was a former professional footballer, having played in the Bundesliga as a goalie.
“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,” FSG president Mike Gordon said.
“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 11 years.”
We can confirm Jorg Schmadtke has been appointed as the club's new sporting director.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 30, 2023
Ward joined Liverpool in 2012 as a scout and eventually took on a new job that includes monitoring the development of loan players and football relationships. He was finally elevated to assistant sports director, taking over for the venerable Michael Edwards at the end of the 2021/22 season last summer.