10 May 2024 17:29:02
So, Julian Ward has returned to Liverpool?
He will oversee player development across FSG's football operations and strategies.
Maybe I am just catastrophizing, but it does feel like, now Klopp is gone, the old guard decision makers are steadily returning to the fold.
I feel like there is a lot more to this than we are seeing, or being told.
If so, maybe Ljinders can write another book about it? :P.
10 May 2024 17:53:53
Mango, my immediate thought was did Edwards and Ward leave because of Klopp? ?.
10 May 2024 18:03:12
I can’t remember which journalist reported it, but somebody said that one of the reasons Michael Edwards left was because of arguments with Klopp over retaining ageing players. Not sure how true that is, but if Ward is returning as well as Edwards as soon as Klopp is leaving, it doesn’t feel like a coincidence.
10 May 2024 18:12:55
Pep ate the crayons after he did the last book, Mango.
10 May 2024 18:28:21
Pedro Marques Has also joined.
10 May 2024 18:29:22
Woolback, it doesn't feel like a coicidence at all. However, what do we know? It well could be just consipracy theory. But I must admit that employees who leave an employer usually join another organization before re-joining the previous employer, if ever. That's what I have seen.
10 May 2024 20:20:29
Liverpool’s new structure that as CEO Michael Edwards has put together. Only Will Spearman, David Fallows and Barry Hunter from the list below were already at the club. Safe to say Edwards has been busy.
Coach: Arne Slot
Sporting Director: Richard Hughes
Assistant Sporting Director: David Woodfine
Technical Director: Julian Ward
Director Of Football Director: Pedro Marques
Director of Research: Will Spearman
Head of Recruitment: David Fallows
Chief Scout: Barry Hunter
Scout: Mark Burchill
Scout Co-ordinator: Craig McKee.
10 May 2024 20:41:35
I can’t believe some people say that football isn’t a game anymore eh?
When they all get to work do we think they line up in a 4 - 2 - 3 -1 or 4 - 3 -3 formation? I wonder if we use inverted scouts or do we look to then to get out far and wide?
10 May 2024 20:44:32
We have a director to direct the director of football?
I’d love that job!
10 May 2024 20:42:31
* Director Of Football Development: Pedro Marques.
10 May 2024 20:59:48
I remember that woolback. I reckon we know very little about the last few years and the real reasons he’s leaving.
10 May 2024 21:27:44
What does a technical director do?
10 May 2024 21:38:11
There was a time I genuinely believed the technical director at a Football club was the one tasked with fixing the projector when it was broken.
I have learned since then that they do not use projectors and am, therefore, out of touch. :P.
10 May 2024 21:54:57
@Ron Keague. James Pearce who was the first to break the news has said the following regarding Wards’s Technical Director Role.
Ward will oversee player development across FSG's football operations. Responsibilities include oversight of LFC academy, loan department, group wide elite player development strategies and establishment of FSG’s new football innovation department.
Ward will also preside over the management of football operations at any club added to FSG stable. Marques, who will report to Ward, is regarded as an expert in player development, career pathways, coaching methodologies and performance analysis.
10 May 2024 22:15:14
I like the idea of director of football development. Something FIFA and UEFA and the FA should look at rather than fixating on revenue generation.
10 May 2024 22:26:55
Thanks Alonso,
So if that’s his remit, what about “Director of football development”?
10 May 2024 22:53:43
Klopp hasn't left and Lijnders didn't write a book.
Why do people think that we don't know the real reason for Klopp leaving? I might be being naive but I believe him and why he wants or needs to leave.
11 May 2024 08:09:31
@Rigsby, he’s tired and he’s had enough. Too simple for some contributors though.
11 May 2024 09:35:04
Alonso, "establishment of FSG’s new football innovation department" is the one that sounds really interesting to me.
11 May 2024 09:51:19
WDW loving the inverted coaches. Let’s hope they don’t bump in to each other in the car park!
11 May 2024 10:08:18
ArAy1969 -Sneaking a 12th player onto the pitch when nobody’s looking is my guess.
11 May 2024 11:19:49
Does it need to be a conspiracy?
Could it just be that Edward’s role was too narrow previously? Perhaps Klopp’s influence had more reach?
Now FSG are adjusting the model and it fits Edwards and others.
11 May 2024 13:16:35
You won't believe it but I've seen it really happen many years ago. It was some international game somewhere abroad. The referee signalled the change, the new player came on, the other player refused to come off and the ref signalled the game onwards, not realizing that 12 players were on. Later on, the game was stopped and the extra player sent off.
11 May 2024 22:02:54
It's all very fishy.
Klopp has only been here nine years and and needs a change. Nine years, some of which we were having to keep going at full tilt until the very last games of the season. So when Klopp says he needs a break from it all and we bring in a new management team, it just doesn't add up.