Sporting director with strong Xabi Alonso links offers Liverpool update

Jurgen Klopp is not the only key figure leaving Liverpool this year. As well as the manager, it was also confirmed in January that assistant manager Pep Lijnders would also depart at the end of the season, along with Klopp’s trusted lieutenant Peter Krawietz and Elite Development Coach Vitor Matos. 

Sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, meanwhile, has already left. After being installed in his position last June on an interim basis, the 59-year-old German left Anfield at the end of the transfer window. 

Along with a new manager search, Liverpool are also conducting recruitment for Schmadtke’s successor. 

The former Alemannia, Hannover, Koln and Wolfsburg chief was coaxed out of retirement and announced as Julian Ward’s replacement last May, overseeing the club’s transfer business during the summer transfer window. 

But with Schmadtke gone, the Reds will need to fill the role with a high-quality candidate to help usher in the post-Klopp era. 

Dan Ashworth of Newcastle United is one name thought to be in the frame as is Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes. Tiago Pinto of Roma has also been linked along with former Monaco man Paul Mitchell. 

Meanwhile, West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten has also been linked to the position. The 44-year-old German joined the Hammers last July after his shock Bayer Leverkusen in March 2023, where he was renowned for his data-led approach to scouting.

He held a similar position at Werder Bremen up to 2019 and was also linked with a role at Chelsea, something which Leverkusen chiefs were unhappy about. 

At Leverkusen, Steidten was in place when the club signed Xabi Alonso as manager back in October 2022. The Spaniard has gone on to lead the Werkself to the top of the Bundesliga and is widely tipped as favourite to take over from Klopp in the Anfield dugout.

Steidten oversaw the signings of players like Jeremie Frimpong, Piero Hincapie and Edmond Tapsoba at Leverkusen and was regarded by figures in the German game as "the pearl diver" for his ability to find talents.

There are considerable question marks over the position of West Ham manager David Moyes, with the 60-year-old Scot out of contract in the summer, and no contract offer forthcoming.

And in an interview with Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Steidten revealed he had heard nothing from Liverpool and plans were continuing for the new season with the East London side. 

“I've heard that I am supposed to be on the list at Liverpool,” he said. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it's an honour. But so far nobody from Liverpool has contacted me yet.

“I generally feel very comfortable at West Ham. I quickly realised how intense this league is. Accordingly, we signed the right players in the last transfer windows. The squad is strong, so we can achieve our goals. 

“I am looking forward facing the next weeks and months until the end of the season. Of course we are already planing the next window. What happens to the future, we will see.”