Liverpool have confirmed Jorg Schmadtke will leave his position as sporting director at the end of the January transfer window, as the Reds prepare for life without Jurgen Klopp.
On Friday, Liverpool stunned the football world with the announcement that Klopp will leave Anfield at the end of the season, despite the German penning a new four-year contract with the club in 2022.
Shortly after the news of Klopp’s departure broke, Liverpool confirmed Klopp’s compatriot Schmadtke will depart at the end of this month, having only taken up his position last June.
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Mike Gordon, president of the club’s owner Fenway Sports Group, said in a statement: “We would like to place on record our gratitude to Jorg for the important role he has played since joining Liverpool last summer.
“He has made a valuable contribution, both in terms of the support he provided to Jurgen Klopp and the assistance and guidance given to our outstanding football operations department.
“As well as departing with our appreciation for his efforts, we would also like to take this opportunity to offer Jorg and his family our very best wishes for the future.”
#LFC can confirm Jorg Schmadtke’s tenure as sporting director will come to an end following the culmination of the January transfer window.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) JANUARY 26, 2024
Schmadtke oversaw a significant overhaul of Liverpool’s squad ahead of the 2023-24 season, playing a key role in the acquisitions of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
The 59-year-old said: “Liverpool is a very special club, so to have had the opportunity to work here has been a huge honour for me, even though I knew from the outset that it would only be for a short period.
“I would like to thank everyone – the owners, manager, staff, players and fans – for the support I have been given and offer my best wishes for the rest of this season.”
Liverpool also confirmed Klopp’s assistant managers Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will leave at the end of the campaign.
Our assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also vacate their positions at the end of the season.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) JANUARY 26, 2024
