On January 26, Jürgen Klopp sent the entire football world into turmoil by announcing his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season. The German subsequently revealed that he had warned the Reds of his decision last November. Owner of the Mersey club, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is therefore faced with a major challenge. In addition to having to find a coach who will be able to use Klopp’s legacy well, FSG will also have to recruit a sporting director. A position in the Liverpool organization chart which has experienced quite a few upheavals.
After the departure in 2021 of Michael Edwards, the sporting director of all successes, Liverpool had inducted Jörg Schmadtke (who held the same functions at Wolfsburg) in May 2023. But a few moments after the announcement of Klopp’s departure, Liverpool made it official by Schmadtke. “He has made a valuable contribution, both in terms of supporting Jürgen Klopp and in terms of supporting and guiding our excellent football department”declared Mike Gordon, the boss of FSG, in a press release.
Ghisolfi’s work pays off
Schmadtke left (end of January), the position of sports director is therefore vacant. But according to The Athletic, the 2019 European champion is actively looking for the ideal profile, because it is absolutely necessary to prepare for the future as quickly as possible. The name of former Rossonero Frederic Massara was mentioned. The Transalpine has the advantage of being free from any contract since his departure from the Lombard city in 2023. But the English media assures that another candidate also appeals greatly to FSG. This is the Frenchman Florent Ghisolfi. At only 38 years old, the sports director of OGC Nice is seriously starting to make a name for himself outside our borders. In France, Ghisolfi stood out for his impressive work with RC Lens.
Sports coordinator of the Sang-et-Or between 2019 and 2022, the native of Aubagne has achieved several successes in the North. During his mandate, he was behind the appointment of Franck Haise as head of the first team in 2020. A winning move since the Artésiens returned to Ligue 1 at the end of the season. And it is also to him that the RCL owes the good transfer window moves like Jonathan Clauss, Seko Fofana, Brice Samba and even Loïs Openda. Finally, with the Gym, which he joined in 2022, Ghisolfi is seeing his work pay off. Today, the Aiglons, third in the Ligue 1 standings, have been on the podium since September and are more than ever in the race for qualification for the Champions League. Ghisolfi therefore has everything to please. The fact remains that he is under contract with a club owned by INEOS. And not sure that the English giant, which has just entered the capital of Manchester United, will agree to facilitate negotiations with its great rival on Mersey.
