It’s all change for Liverpool this summer as Jurgen Klopp and his coaching team leave the club.
Klopp‘s departure will hit the club like a tonne of bricks, but FSG are said to be working hard to get things in order before he says his final goodbye.
Part of their remit is ensuring the structure above Klopp – or the future manager – is in place. With Jorg Schmadtke also on his way out, FSG has a sporting director-type position available to fill with the appropriate candidate.
Of course, there has been speculation that Michael Edwards could return to Anfield. Many praised Edwards for his earlier tenure at Liverpool, and he has definitely made an impact.
However, according to David Ornstein, getting Edwards back to Merseyside will be far more difficult than some people believe.
Liverpool will find it difficult to lure Michael Edwards back.
Ornstein answered questions in his latest Q&A for The Athletic, saying there are several
“Edwards has already declined the opportunity to return, and there is nothing to suggest he has changed his mind. If Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is still trying, you have to assume their executives believe he has a chance to make a U-turn. Either that, or they are misguided, but I believe they are too intelligent for the latter. However, all indications are that Edwards is focused on his Ludonautics consultancy firm, so it would take something significant — and rapid — to change that,” Ornstein added.
“Edwards has no desire to be a sporting director again. It would have to be something greater, more overarching, and stimulating (such as appointing a sporting director). There have been speculations that he would seek complete control before considering a return to Liverpool. That’s not my understanding. FSG had already offered him that when it made the initial contact, and he turned it down, as had Chelsea, Manchester United, and others in the past. It is more about how appealing the concept and proposal are to him for a variety of reasons. Or, perhaps, he is simply content with his job and life as it is.”
Going all out for the best.
FSG may have flaws and detractors in some parts, but it appears that they are making a push here for a man in whom they clearly place a high level of trust.
Edwards performed so well the last time he was with Liverpool that it seems reasonable to try to entice him back to the club during a period of significant upheaval.
Klopp‘s departure will have a significant impact on the club, and establishing a strong foundation above the manager will be critical for the Reds to move forward and flourish without Klopp.
If there is even a hint of Edwards returning, it must be followed.
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