Liverpool is considering options to deal with the prospect of not having Klopp in the new season.
Michael Edwards has confirmed his return to Liverpool FC after being appointed as Director of Football Operations at Fenway Sports Group.
The former sporting director, who left Anfield in 2022, will be in charge of football operations during the restructuring and will be responsible for appointing a new sporting director, expected to be Richard Hughes when Liverpool plans for the era after Jurgen Klopp.
Edwards, who will step down from sports consultancy Ludonautics on June 1, has turned down offers from clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea in the past two years.
But he was always the FSG owner’s first choice to return to Anfield and discussions began following Klopp’s January announcement that he would step down in the summer.
Edwards will take over day-to-day decision-making responsibility on football matters from FSG chairman Mike Gordon, who remains on the board but intends to reduce his involvement in football.
While the next sporting director will be responsible for finding a replacement for Klopp with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso the most popular coach.
Liverpool believe Edwards will provide continuity in philosophy which, along with his knowledge of the club and his role in the past, will help smooth the transition to life post-Klopp. .
When announcing his return, Edwards said:
“I am grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership team for giving me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG. I was very appreciative of the persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again. This is certainly not something I take for granted.”
“With Liverpool, I will oversee the necessary strengthening of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions requiring urgent attention. From personal experience, I know Mike Gordon has done the job How great is the daily supervision on behalf of his co-owners. In the future, I look forward to working with FSG’s Board of Directors. Additionally, in taking on this role, I fully understand that it comes with great expectations and therefore I intend to identify, hire and then empower leaders who meet and demonstrate these the values and ambitions of the club.”
“Having served the club before, I need not be reminded of the level of emotional investment of supporters within the city itself, as well as across the UK and the world. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
