Klopp had ‘disagreements’ with ex-Liverpool official; ‘real reason’ for Schmadtke’s arrival revealed

Lewis Oldham 13 May 2023 12:52 PM

Jurgen Klopp reportedly ‘regularly’ had ‘disagreements’ with ex-Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards during their time together at Anfield.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Jorg Schmadtke has agreed to become Liverpool’s new sporting director ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

The 59-year-old has previously held similar roles at German sides Hannover, Cologne and Wolfsburg.

He is expected to pen a three-year deal and replace Julian Ward, who will be leaving Liverpool at the end of this season.

Ward was promoted from within as Edwards’ replacement last year but Liverpool have been forced to go in a different direction with Schmadtke.

Football Insider claim ‘Liverpool have decided to appoint Schmadtke as their new sporting director because he will challenge manager Klopp’. The report adds.

‘There is a sense from outside Liverpool that their long-serving manager wants an iron grip on the club’s recruitment, but club insiders have revealed that is far from the case.

‘A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Klopp is keen on a more collaborative approach in which differing opinions and ‘viewpoints are taken on board.

‘He is believed to have regularly disagreed with former sporting director Michael Edwards over signings and contracts – but the duo oversaw a transfer record that was the envy of Europe’s elite clubs.

‘Sources have told this site that Schmadtke is “hugely opinionated” and “challenging” but also extremely knowledgeable.’

A report from Christian Falk for Caught Offside reveals Schmadtke ‘thought about retiring’ after departing Wolfsburg in January.

Falk feels Schmadtke will ‘at a minimum’ be a ‘consultant’ for the Premier League giants.

‘The negotiations are very far in for Jorg Schmadtke, I heard. He thought about retiring after leaving Wolfsburg in January. He said his wife is now making the decision and if in the next three months she can’t stand him anymore he has to go out and work again,’ Falk wrote for Caught Offside.

‘So, I think it’s not easy for him to be coming back into a full-time job in July, especially not in Germany. I heard the talks started with the idea of an external consultant position working just for transfers.

‘This idea included just a few months, especially the summer transfer window. Now the talks are looking at something more, which is why they are taking longer than expected.

‘At a minimum, it will be a consultant role. If Liverpool wants and gets more from Schmadtke – that remains to be seen.’

Liverpool Jorg Schmadtke