Author Topic: The Men in Suits behind the scenes  (Read 524951 times)

Online Caston

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The Men in Suits behind the scenes
« on: November 3, 2016, 10:37:34 pm »
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-set-appoint-michael-edwards-12124500?service=responsive

Quote
Liverpool are set to appoint Michael Edwards as the club’s sporting director.

The 37-year-old will be promoted to the newly-created role from his current position as technical director.

The decision by owners Fenway Sports Group has the full backing of manager Jurgen Klopp, who worked within the same structure at Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp has enjoyed a close working relationship with Edwards over the past 13 months and believes he’s the perfect man for the job.

Edwards, who has been at Liverpool since November 2011, will be put in charge of all football operations and will be responsible for player recruitment for both the first team and the Academy.

With chief executive Ian Ayre leaving Anfield at the end of the season, the ECHO understands that Edwards will take on full responsibility for transfer and contract negotiations with immediate effect. Klopp will continue to have the final say on all signings.

Fenway Sports Group have long since favoured the continental model of having a sporting director or a director of football working with a manager.

Damien Comolli filled that role from November 2010 until the Frenchman was sacked in April 2012. The American owners had intended to replace Comolli in the summer of 2012 but they were talked out of it by new boss Brendan Rodgers, who wanted sole control.

As a result the transfer committee was born which included FSG president Mike Gordon, Ayre, Rodgers, director of scouting Dave Fallows, chief scout Barry Hunter and Edwards.

That was often a source of friction during Rodgers’ reign with the Northern Irishman bemoaning not being able to get the targets he wanted. However, there have been no murmurings of discontent since Klopp took over.

Klopp insisted he had “100% backing” from FSG last summer and he believes Edwards has both the knowledge and the expertise to help him ensure Liverpool build on their flying start to the season.

Edwards has never had a public profile at Liverpool but he’s enjoyed a meteoric rise under FSG since he was brought to Anfield by Comolli in 2011.

Initially, he was head of analytics – poring over the mass of data Premier League clubs gather on players in every match and providing reports.

Once Comolli left in 2012, Edwards took on greater responsibility. In June 2013 he was promoted to the role of director of technical performance and was then made technical director in August 2015.

Edwards graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in business management and informatics before putting his IT knowledge to use in the world of football.

He was Portsmouth’s head of performance analysis from 2003 to 2009 before being headhunted by Tottenham.

http://www.joe.co.uk/sport/liverpool-to-appoint-first-ever-sporting-director/95866

Quote
Michael Edwards is to become Liverpool's first ever sporting director with his promotion set to be confirmed by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the club's owners, imminently.
In what amounts to a significant vote of confidence in Edwards and the work he has done as technical director, FSG have decided to increase both the scope and seniority of his role as part of a review of football operations and a restructuring necessitated by the planned departure of chief executive Ian Ayre at the end of this season.

Edwards, 37, has been the subject of external criticism, but FSG's belief in his methods has never wavered and their faith has been increasingly repaid over the last 12 months with a number of the signings he presided over coming to the fore under the management of Jurgen Klopp.

Among those recruited in keeping with the transfer strategy that Edwards has implemented have been Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Emre Can and Sadio Mane. The former head of performance analysis at Tottenham Hotspur also oversaw Liverpool's outgoing transfers during the summer when they sold Christian Benteke for £30m and Joe Allen and Jordon Ibe for a combined total of £26m.

A significant factor in Edwards' promotion is the working relationship he has established with Klopp, who had previously worked under a sporting director at Borussia Dortmund. Edwards, a graduate of Sheffield University, also has a strong rapport with Mike Gordon, the president of FSG who is heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the club.

While critics questioned the strength of the playing squad that Klopp inherited upon succeeding Brendan Rodgers in October last year, the Liverpool manager never doubted that there was substantial scope for improvement; faith that does not appear to have been misplaced given the strong start to the season that Liverpool have made.

Klopp is understood to be fully supportive of Edwards' ascent and the pair will continue to work together on transfers following a successful summer in which Liverpool made a profit on player trading and improved the squad at their manager's disposal.
« Last Edit: June 22, 2022, 09:24:31 pm by John C »

Offline pyroparty

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #1 on: November 3, 2016, 10:39:13 pm »
Arsed.

*awaits Al and Fromola*

Offline The Mule

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Michael Edwards To Be Made New Sporting Director
« Reply #2 on: November 3, 2016, 10:41:45 pm »
Liverpool set to appoint Michael Edwards as sporting director
Owners FSG promote technical chief to new role alongside Jurgen Klopp

* COMMENTS

BYJAMES PEARCE

Michael Edwards has been appointed sporting director at Liverpool Football Club

Liverpool are set to appoint Michael Edwards as the club’s sporting director.
The 37-year-old will be promoted to the newly-created role from his current position as technical director.

The decision by owners Fenway Sports Group has the full backing of manager Jurgen Klopp, who worked within the same structure at Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp has enjoyed a close working relationship with Edwards over the past 13 months and believes he’s the perfect man for the job.
Edwards, who has been at Liverpool since November 2011, will be put in charge of all football operations and will be responsible for player recruitment for both the first team and the Academy.

With chief executive Ian Ayre leaving Anfield at the end of the season, the ECHO understands that Edwards will take on full responsibility for transfer and contract negotiations with immediate effect. Klopp will continue to have the final say on all signings.

Fenway Sports Group have long since favoured the continental model of having a sporting director or a director of football working with a manager.

Damien Comolli filled that role from November 2010 until the Frenchman was sacked in April 2012. The American owners had intended to replace Comolli in the summer of 2012 but they were talked out of it by new boss Brendan Rodgers, who wanted sole control.

As a result the transfer committee was born which included FSG president Mike Gordon, Ayre, Rodgers, director of scouting Dave Fallows, chief scout Barry Hunter and Edwards.

That was often a source of friction during Rodgers’ reign with the Northern Irishman bemoaning not being able to get the targets he wanted. However, there have been no murmurings of discontent since Klopp took over.

Klopp insisted he had “100% backing” from FSG last summer and he believes Edwards has both the knowledge and the expertise to help him ensure Liverpool build on their flying start to the season.

Edwards has never had a public profile at Liverpool but he’s enjoyed a meteoric rise under FSG since he was brought to Anfield by Comolli in 2011.

Initially, he was head of analytics – poring over the mass of data Premier League clubs gather on players in every match and providing reports.

Once Comolli left in 2012, Edwards took on greater responsibility. In June 2013 he was promoted to the role of director of technical performance and was then made technical director in August 2015.

Edwards graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in business management and informatics before putting his IT knowledge to use in the world of football.
He was Portsmouth’s head of performance analysis from 2003 to 2009 before being headhunted by Tottenham.


http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-set-appoint-michael-edwards-12124500?service=responsive

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Offline jooneyisdagod

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #3 on: November 3, 2016, 10:42:07 pm »
What will Al complain about now?
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Offline Beninger

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #4 on: November 3, 2016, 10:46:20 pm »
What will Al complain about now?
They'll find something...

They ALWAYS find something :D
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Offline rafathegaffa83

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #5 on: November 3, 2016, 10:48:31 pm »
Find it interesting in Barrett's piece that he had a role in the outgoing transfers, which we did quite well on. Klopp seems happy about it and it makes sense to likely split Ayre's role so that player recruitment is separate from the other types of CEO duties Ayre held.

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #6 on: November 3, 2016, 10:52:41 pm »
As long as Klopp's happy then who's really arsed.

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Offline Redman0151

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #7 on: November 3, 2016, 10:54:12 pm »
As long as it's what Klopp wants he has my backing
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Offline jooneyisdagod

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #8 on: November 3, 2016, 10:54:27 pm »
Find it interesting in Barrett's piece that he had a role in the outgoing transfers, which we did quite well on. Klopp seems happy about it and it makes sense to likely split Ayre's role so that player recruitment is separate from the other types of CEO duties Ayre held.

I have a feeling, only a feeling mind, that part of the reason a full restructuring did not occur earlier was due to Rodgers' reluctance to play ball. I can understand his frustration to a certain extent as these compromises rarely work, but equally, it seems his reluctance to work with the recruitment team led to the committee and all that came with it.
Quote from: Dion Fanning

The chants for Kenny Dalglish that were heard again on Wednesday do not necessarily mean that the fans see him as the saviour. This is not Newcastle, longing for the return of Kevin Keegan. Simply, Dalglish represents everything Hodgson is not and, in fairness, everything Hodgson could or would not hope to be.

Offline [new username under construction]

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #9 on: November 3, 2016, 10:54:54 pm »
I'm trying to think what was said when he was first hired....is he the bloke who was a total loony about statistics etc....thought of as a great appointment at the time but most here?

Offline Kopenhagen

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #10 on: November 3, 2016, 10:55:27 pm »
Sure, why not.

But remember when Tony Evans said it'd be hard to see Klopp at Liverpool while Edwards is around? :lmao
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Offline Kopenhagen

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #11 on: November 3, 2016, 10:55:48 pm »
I'm trying to think what was said when he was first hired....is he the bloke who was a total loony about statistics etc....thought of as a great appointment at the time but most here?

He's the guy with the laptop. Spooky.
"There is no final victory, just as there is no final defeat. There is just the same battle to be fought over and over again."

Offline [new username under construction]

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #12 on: November 3, 2016, 11:01:16 pm »
He's the guy with the laptop. Spooky.

Mulder?

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #13 on: November 3, 2016, 11:06:27 pm »
Sure, why not.

But remember when Tony Evans said it'd be hard to see Klopp at Liverpool while Edwards is around? :lmao

Yeh, overpaid for Firmino apparently too

Offline Billy Elliot

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #14 on: November 3, 2016, 11:06:31 pm »
Don't think this kind of set up has ever worked well in England for some reason but if it's what Klopp's used to, I'll wait and see.

Techy geeky man sticks some numbers into his computer, presses a button and then Klopp says yes or no? 

Or does it work the other way?  Does Klopp give him a name, then techy geeky man lets him know if the computer says yes or no?  Something like that, not arsed really.

 




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Offline SerbianScouser

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #15 on: November 3, 2016, 11:08:42 pm »
Our recruitment has been amazing in recent years, it`s only right somebody gets awarded for it. It`s also telling that Klopp endorsed the move.

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #16 on: November 3, 2016, 11:15:26 pm »
Such big news we needed three threads :)
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Offline Chris~

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #17 on: November 3, 2016, 11:15:47 pm »
The big question is does he get greater control over the air conditioning?

Offline newterp

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #18 on: November 3, 2016, 11:17:26 pm »
Can't believe they announce this right now. Right before a big game. Unreal.

Offline LovelyCushionedHeader

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #19 on: November 3, 2016, 11:19:00 pm »
Don't think this kind of set up has ever worked well in England for some reason but if it's what Klopp's used to, I'll wait and see.

Techy geeky man sticks some numbers into his computer, presses a button and then Klopp says yes or no? 

Or does it work the other way?  Does Klopp give him a name, then techy geeky man lets him know if the computer says yes or no?  Something like that, not arsed really.

The set up works fine in England. It isn't something that can be restricted by geography.

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Offline Billy Elliot

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #20 on: November 3, 2016, 11:22:24 pm »
Such big news we needed three threads :)

I feel like a bit of a twat for not replying to Timbo's Goals thread. 
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Offline King Klopp.

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #21 on: November 3, 2016, 11:23:28 pm »
Our recruitment has been amazing in recent years, it`s only right somebody gets awarded for it. It`s also telling that Klopp endorsed the move.

Generous to say amazing. The summer of 14 was horrific. To have sold Luis Suarez and end up with Lambert and Balotelli was some of the worst and most negligent recruitment in years. Lallana and Lovren finally came good but the whole Suarez debacle was season ruining. Summer 13 very poor as well and summer 12 left us one striker and having to write open letters to the fans.

Think this summer was amazing. Summer 15 was been pretty good with Firmino and Clyne too, although signing Benteke set us back a bit but that was on Rodgers.

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Offline Redman0151

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #22 on: November 3, 2016, 11:24:35 pm »
Don't think this kind of set up has ever worked well in England for some reason but if it's what Klopp's used to, I'll wait and see.

Techy geeky man sticks some numbers into his computer, presses a button and then Klopp says yes or no? 

Or does it work the other way?  Does Klopp give him a name, then techy geeky man lets him know if the computer says yes or no?  Something like that, not arsed really.




It sounds a lot more friendlier than the process under Brendan.

I imagine Edwards comes up with a list of players who mark well on the system, then him and Klopp discuss who they think is best. Or if Klopp has a specific recommendation (Gotze/Klavan/Matip) then they look into that. Hopefully this set up doesn't lead to a situation like Rodgers picking between Balotelli or Eto
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Offline Billy Elliot

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #23 on: November 3, 2016, 11:24:53 pm »
The set up works fine in England. It isn't something that can be restricted by geography.

Southampton.

So that's how they beat United in the 76 cup final? 
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Offline Billy Elliot

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #24 on: November 3, 2016, 11:29:26 pm »
It sounds a lot more friendlier than the process under Brendan.

I imagine Edwards comes up with a list of players who mark well on the system, then him and Klopp discuss who they think is best. Or if Klopp has a specific recommendation (Gotze/Klavan/Matip) then they look into that. Hopefully this set up doesn't lead to a situation like Rodgers picking between Balotelli or Eto


So is it like Football Manager?  Edwards puts some numbers in and it lets Klopp know how good they are on a scale of 1 to 5?
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Offline Joe Allens chicken

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #25 on: November 3, 2016, 11:33:31 pm »
I'd feel a lot more comfortable if he owned a Harley Davidson.

Offline Chris~

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #26 on: November 3, 2016, 11:34:22 pm »
It sounds a lot more friendlier than the process under Brendan.

I imagine Edwards comes up with a list of players who mark well on the system, then him and Klopp discuss who they think is best. Or if Klopp has a specific recommendation (Gotze/Klavan/Matip) then they look into that. Hopefully this set up doesn't lead to a situation like Rodgers picking between Balotelli or Eto
You'd imagine as Sporting Director he'd have less input in looking at the data and drawing up a list of players if he's going to also be working on sorting out contracts and transfers at all levels.

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #27 on: November 3, 2016, 11:42:17 pm »
I like the fact Kloppo is well into this more collective and collaborative way of working.

Managers here often want total control which often smacks of ego, but it's cool to spread the wealth so long as you have the right people.

This is how Klopp works, did so with Michael Zorc and Chrstian Heidel very successfully, and he's happy, so all good. 

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #28 on: November 3, 2016, 11:58:51 pm »
Yeh, overpaid for Firmino apparently too

he also bemoaned our transfer dealings in the summer in comparison to Utd's. The man is a joke.

Offline Kopenhagen

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #29 on: November 4, 2016, 12:15:31 am »
So is it like Football Manager?  Edwards puts some numbers in and it lets Klopp know how good they are on a scale of 1 to 5?

Yes, that's exactly how it is.
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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #30 on: November 4, 2016, 02:16:10 am »
Yes, that's exactly how it is.

Yep. We also don't scout players any more it's all spreadsheets, and if the manager wants a player that doesn't make the spreadsheet then he's out of luck. Oh and Ian Ayre gets a vote when choosing transfer targets.

Offline Ken-Obi

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #31 on: November 4, 2016, 02:24:31 am »
First thing Edwards would need to do is to sign all the scouts from Southampton.
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Offline Billy Elliot

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #32 on: November 4, 2016, 02:50:10 am »
Any of the 306 divs come up with a song for him yet?

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #33 on: November 4, 2016, 03:25:36 am »
Fair play at 37

Offline mattD

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #34 on: November 4, 2016, 04:35:21 am »
Did he not also approve the signing of Balotelli, amongst other duds like Luis Alberto, Aspas, Moses, Illori, etc (who were bought on the basis of data)? A black mark that would permanently scar anyone's reputation in my opinion. But on the other hand was involved in the signings of Firmino, Origi, Coutinho, etc.

That's a volatile record. Hopefully he's only involved in sealing and delivering Klopp's targets.

Though Jurgen is more assured in his knowledge of the transfer market than any manager since Rafa, so hopefully it will provide greater and more accurate specification on what type of players we need in the future.
« Last Edit: November 4, 2016, 04:38:01 am by mattD »

Offline Redcap

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #35 on: November 4, 2016, 04:42:52 am »
Did he not also approve the signing of Balotelli, amongst other duds like Luis Alberto, Aspas, Moses, Illori, etc (who were bought on the basis of data)? A black mark that would permanently scar anyone's reputation in my opinion. But on the other hand was involved in the signings of Firmino, Origi, Coutinho, etc.

That's a volatile record. Hopefully he's only involved in sealing and delivering Klopp's targets.

Though Jurgen is more assured in his knowledge of the transfer market than any manager since Rafa, so hopefully it will provide greater and more accurate specification on what type of players we need in the future.

I highly doubt he was solely responsible for any of our good signings or bad signings in the last few years, in the same way that Rodgers, Kenny and Comolli also weren't.

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #36 on: November 4, 2016, 05:29:52 am »
Of interest here might be an article by Tomkins as a rebuttal to Neil Ashton's attempted hatchet job on Michael Edwards last season;


https://tomkinstimes.com/2015/10/liverpool-need-to-stay-out-of-the-dark-ages/

Offline 6BigCups

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #37 on: November 4, 2016, 07:53:05 am »
Did he not also approve the signing of Balotelli, amongst other duds like Luis Alberto, Aspas, Moses, Illori, etc (who were bought on the basis of data)? A black mark that would permanently scar anyone's reputation in my opinion. But on the other hand was involved in the signings of Firmino, Origi, Coutinho, etc.

That's a volatile record. Hopefully he's only involved in sealing and delivering Klopp's targets.

Though Jurgen is more assured in his knowledge of the transfer market than any manager since Rafa, so hopefully it will provide greater and more accurate specification on what type of players we need in the future.

True for Balotelli, though Luis Alberto was a low cost punt on a prospect (5M). Aspas actually had a v.good record in La Liga so was worth a punt at 6M. Moses was a loan to fill a squad gap. Didn't do much wrong. Illori was a highly rated young CB for another 6M. Not a lot of money in todays market.

Offline BeautifulGame91

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #38 on: November 4, 2016, 08:40:44 am »
I doubt there is any analysis of Data that showed Balotelli as a good signing .

He was just a bad panic buy
.

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Re: Michael Edwards set to become Liverpool's sporting director
« Reply #39 on: November 4, 2016, 09:13:23 am »
Congrats to him, hope he goes on to be very successful career with us. If this past transfer season is anything to go by then we might finally have a footballing direction. Glad to hear that he and Klopp get along well, makes everything easier.
« Last Edit: November 4, 2016, 09:14:57 am by Persephone »
I’ve plenty links to the clubs playing and backroom staff as many on here know thank you very much. Fair enough, I admire your optimism. But you’re absolute ostriches if you think this squad, even with 2 or 3 new, “cut price” players with potential get us anywhere close