Jurgen Klopp previously claimed he “would like to work with” potential Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.
News first emerged that Schmadtke could be on the verge of replacing Julian Ward this summer earlier this month . The 59-year-old has been out of work since January when he left his post at Wolfsburg, who he helped develop from relegation candidates to European regulars.
The Reds were looking for their third sporting director in 12 months. Michael Edwards’ successful six-year reign came to an end last summer and was replaced by Ward, who will spend just one year in the job.
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Schmadtke’s arrival has now been confirmed and is a bold appointment from Liverpool and, judging by his comments in January, Klopp was very open to the move.
“I would have liked to work with him (Schmadtke), I’m sure it would have worked out well,” the Reds boss told Allgemeine Zeitung once Schmadtke left Wolfsburg (via The Athletic). “He’s a top character, somebody who never changed in 38 years and stayed true to himself. He’ll be missed by football.”
The duo have likely brushed shoulders during Klopp’s Bundesliga days but they also had a brief encounter almost 40 years ago. In 1986, the Liverpool manager was cutting his teeth in the game, on trial at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
“I was 19 and had a dream of making it as professional,” Klopp said. “I went to a trial at Fortuna where Jorg was in goal and a very big name there. I put everything into it and ran like a devil but what can I say? I was a total flop.
“I guess Schmadtke remembered that. He never made me an offer (to coach) at any of his clubs. He must have thought, ‘if Klopp can’t play football, he can’t be a decent manager either’.”
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