Fabrizio Romano Reveals What Liverpool Will Do Before Appointing Jurgen Klopp Successor

Fabrizio Romano highlighted that Liverpool face a crucial task before appointing Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield.

With Klopp announcing his departure at the end of the season, it’s noteworthy that Jorg Schmadtke’s tenure as sporting director concludes on Thursday night with the closure of the January transfer window.

This development leaves Liverpool’s hierarchy grappling with two substantial vacancies. Romano reveals that addressing the sporting director position becomes imperative before initiating the search for a new manager.

In his Sunday morning Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano draws attention to the contrast between Liverpool’s situation and that of Barcelona, noting that Xavi’s impending departure as Barcelona coach adds a unique dimension to the managerial landscape at both clubs.

He wrote: “I can guarantee that with Barcelona it will take time, because it has to be decided by Joan Laporta but also other people in the Barca board, including Deco, while in the case of Liverpool they want to find a new sporting director.

“My understanding is that Liverpool will work on a new director and then appoint a new manager – they have to re-structure the board and then hire the manager, whereas at Barcelona they already have Deco in place as director.”

In the midst of the considerable attention directed towards Klopp’s replacement, Liverpool’s immediate concern lies in securing a successor to Schmadtke. He had unequivocally communicated his short-term commitment to Anfield since May, signaling the need for a swift transition.

This development marks the Reds’ quest for a third sporting director since Michael Edwards departed the previous summer. The ensuing instability contrasts starkly with the enduring tenure of the individual whose reputation soared during a period of masterful transfer activity on Merseyside.

While there is a grace period for appointing the next manager, thanks to Klopp’s presence for the next four months, the search for Schmadtke’s replacement should ideally be expedited if his departure is imminent in the coming days. However, caution is advised to prevent hasty decisions, given the pivotal nature of the position.