Jurgen Klopp has expressed his surprise Julian Ward is leaving his role as Liverpool sporting director – but is adamant it will not affect any potential business in the forthcoming transfer windows.
It was announced last month that Ward would leave the role at the end of the season, barely a year since he replaced Michael Edwards in the position.
Ward, had previously been assistant to Edwards, worked closely with Klopp to bring in a number of signings, including Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho.
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Liverpool are open to reinforcing their squad in the New Year, and are already planning for next summer when there are likely to be several new arrivals and departures.
And of Ward’s imminent exit, Klopp said: “It was a surprise when Julian told me. But we work completely normal together until the day that he leaves. Julian is 100% committed and everything is fine.
“We never had a problem and will not have a problem, so it’s all fine.
“He told me after the Southampton game and it was a surprise at that moment. That is his decision and that’s okay.
“It will have no impact for this period (until Ward’s departure), not at all.”
Liverpool have been linked with a number of players ahead of the January window, with assistant manager Pep Lijnders having indicated on Wednesday they were considering their options.
With both Diaz and Diogo Jota sidelined by long-term injuries, those comments have been echoed by Klopp, who said on Friday: “From the sports side, we are always prepared. It's always clear what kind of ideas we have and what the necessity is from our point of view.
“All the rest doesn't rely 100% in our hands. We always work with what we've got and that won't change.
“You can imagine with the situation we're in, we are looking, but if something happens we will see.”
With Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Club open to a sale of the club or outside investment, Anfield legend Jamie Carragher had suggested before Thursday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat at Manchester City that the Reds needed to spend £250million in transfers to bridge the gap at the top of the Premier League.
And Klopp responded: “I don't know about the amount of money, but I'm not against investment. We will see what the future brings. No-one knows in this moment.
“I'm still convinced it will be bright for us. In this moment we need to sort the situation and it's got nothing to do with any future investors.”
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