Liverpool Confirm Appointment Of Jorg Schmadtke As New Sporting Director

Originally posted on FanNation LFC Transfer Room
By Joseph Agbobli | Last updated 5/30/23

Jorg Schmadtke has been appointed as Liverpool's new sporting director, taking over from Julian Ward, who will leave Anfield this summer after more than a decade at the club.

The 59-year-old spent more than four years in the same role with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, which he left earlier this year.

He had previously enjoyed successful stints in similar positions at Cologne, Hannover, and Alemannia Aachen.

During his playing career, Schmadtke featured for Fortuna Dusseldorf, Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Monchengladbach before retiring in 1998 having played almost 300 Bundesliga games.

The German will begin his new role on June 1, subject to the successful completion of work permit formalities.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon said as quoted by Liverpoolfc.com: “Firstly, I would like to welcome Jorg to Liverpool Football Club in the knowledge that he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into a role in which such qualities can only be beneficial both to him and us."

“Jorg will work with our football operations department as it continues to provide support for Jürgen Klopp, in keeping with our ongoing endeavour to keep growing and developing the club in all areas.

“At the same time as we welcome Jorg, we must also bid a fond farewell to Julian Ward, who has served us with unstinting diligence, fortitude and energy in a number of roles, the most recent one being sporting director.

“We wish Julian and his young family the very best for the future and thank him for everything he has done for Liverpool FC during the past 11 years.”

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