Liverpool’s pursuit of a new sporting director may soon reach a resolution, pending approval from the club’s owners, FSG.
According to insights from The Athletic’s journalist David Ornstein during a recent live Q&A session, Liverpool aim to finalize the appointment of their next sporting director by the end of next month. The club are currently considering at least four potential targets for the role, two of whom are currently employed within the club.
Despite their strong performance on the field across various competitions this season, Liverpool find themselves in a significant transitional phase off the pitch. This transition follows the announcement by Jurgen Klopp, the iconic manager, of his departure from Anfield at the end of the season, culminating in an eight-and-a-half-year tenure.
In light of Klopp’s imminent departure and the consequent exodus of key backroom staff, including the previous sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, FSG is tasked with the responsibility of not only securing a new manager but also identifying a new sporting director to propel Liverpool into a new era.
There has been ample speculation regarding the successor to Klopp in the Anfield dugout. Among the contenders, former midfielder Xabi Alonso is currently viewed as the leading candidate. However, there has been relatively less discussion surrounding the individual who will take charge upstairs following Schmadtke’s departure.
During a live Q&A session, The Athletic reporter Ornstien shed light on the prevailing circumstances and proposed some credible candidates for the position. He stated: “I hear Liverpool/FSG would ideally like the sporting director situation decided by the end of March. You would assume that person would then spearhead the manager/head coach search. I’m sure movements will already be taking place behind the scenes.
“Ricky Massara and Florent Ghisolfi are among the operators who Liverpool like, while existing staff like David Fallows and Barry Hunter are very highly thought of – and it feels like time is of the essence. I reported on Mike Gordon’s unsuccessful attempt to bring back Michael Edwards and whether or not Gordon is still trying, it appears Edwards is not for turning.”
Turin-born Massara, 55, formerly served as the director of football at AC Milan but is presently not affiliated with any club. Ghisolfi, 17 years younger than Massara, currently holds the position of sporting director at French Ligue 1 side Nice.
David Fallows currently holds the position of head of recruitment at Liverpool, while Barry Hunter serves as the Reds’ chief scout.
Should either Fallows or Hunter be appointed for the role, they would be continuing the trend set by Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, who were both internally promoted to their positions.
Ornstein hinted that Liverpool might have already initiated contact with Alonso, indicating that the search for a new manager is proceeding alongside the search for a sporting director vacancy. Ornstein stated:
“Meanwhile it wouldn’t surprise me if some kind of contact has been made with the camp of Xabi Alonso (that has been reported in Germany) and others.
“Any pursuit of Alonso is complicated by his current job at Leverkusen, who obviously would love him to stay for longer, and Bayern Munich’s serious interest. This is all before we even mention the [Mohamed] Salah, [Virgil] Van Dijk and [Trent] Alexander-Arnold contract situations, which I’m not aware of having developed at all.
“On the pitch there is everything to play for at Liverpool, but off the field matters are just as important.”
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