It’s all change for Liverpool heading into this summer as Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff depart the club.
Klopp’s exit is going to hit the club like a ton of bricks but FSG are believed to be working hard on getting the house in order before Klopp does say his final goodbye.
Part of that remit is to ensure the structure above Klopp – or the new manager – is in place. With Jorg Schmadtke also on his way out, there is a sporting director type role available for FSG to fill with the right candidate.
Of course, we’ve heard talk about Michael Edwards being looked at in terms of a return to Anfield. Edwards was heralded by many for his previous stint at Liverpool and clearly, he has left a mark.
However, according to David Ornstein, actually getting Edwards back to Merseyside is going to be much harder than some people think.
Liverpool will find it hard to lure Michael Edwards back
Answering questions in his latest Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein has said there are multiple
“Edwards has already turned down the chance to return and there has been nothing to suggest he has changed his mind. If Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is still trying, you would have to presume their executives think there is still a chance he could perform a U-turn. Either that or they are misguided but I think they are too intelligent for it to be the latter. However, all indications are that Edwards is focused on his Ludonautics consultancy firm, so it would take something major — and quick — to alter that,” Ornstein said.
“Edwards has no interest in being a sporting director again. It would need to be something higher, more over-arching and stimulating (which would probably see him appoint a sporting director, for example). There have been reports that he would demand total control to consider a return to Liverpool. That is not my understanding. He was already offered that by FSG when it made the original approach and he rejected the opportunity — the same with Chelsea, Manchester United and others historically. It’s more about how enticing the project and proposition are to him for different and a variety of reasons. Or, ultimately, perhaps he is just happy with his work and life as it is.”
Going all out for the best
FSG might have their faults and critics in some quarters but it does seem like they are making a push here for a man who they clearly trust a lot.
Edwards did so well the last time he was with Liverpool that it makes sense to at least try and lure him back to the club in a time of big change.
Klopp’s exit is going to really hit the club hard and getting it well set above the manager is going to be crucial for the Reds to kick on and succeed post-Klopp.
If there is even a sniff of Edwards returning, then it has to be pursued.