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Sources: Klopp wants to bring in new Liverpool sporting director after 'shock'
Jurgen Klopp wants to bring in his own sporting director as he look to build a new Liverpool golden era that matches the one he memorably established with Michael Edwards, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseysiders are losing their second sporting director in consecutive seasons with Julian Ward leaving the post at the end of the season just one year after Edwards left.
It is believed that Klopp is keen to choose a replacement rather than be given one by Anfield owners Fenway Sports Group.
Should the German not be allowed by the club to have critical input in the appointment, it could have major repercussions behind the scenes.
Well-placed sources say the decision is a test of FSG’s faith in Klopp as well as their flexibility in pivotal club appointments.
One school of thought is that the manager would be seen by many as overly powerful if he effectively selects his boss.
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While another theory is that Klopp has earned the right to manage upwards as well as down after transforming the club’s fortunes during his eight-year reign.
Klopp has had huge success during his managerial career working with sporting directors for extended period – most notably Edwards at Liverpool and Michael Zorc at Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool have been linked with former Dortmund and Arsenal chief scout Sven Mislintat, but are not in talks with him.
There is a sense that Klopp is keen on someone from Germany, who he could work with like he did with Zorc during the club’s two-title winning era.
Ward had replaced Edwards after working his way through the ranks at Anfield, and now the club are searching for their third sporting director in three years.
It was said to be a “shock” to the club’s hierarchy when he resigned so early into his tenure.
The news last autumn dismayed many Liverpool supporters at a time of growing uncertainty at the club which has been a byword for stability in recent years.
Ward is not the only prominent figure behind the scenes at Anfield moving on, with club research director Ian Graham also resigning and seeing out his one-season notice period.
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