Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool have a rare free midweek to rest and recover after Monday night’s FA Cup win over League One side Barnsley, a result that secured their place in the fourth round despite some testing moments.
Focus now turns to Saturday’s Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield, where the Reds will look to strengthen their push for a top-four finish.
The Clarets sit eight points from safety in the bottom three and are expected to provide a stern challenge. Away from the pitch, former Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has returned to football after two years out, rejoining Hannover 96.
The 61-year-old worked at Anfield between 2023 and early 2024, overseeing a major midfield rebuild that brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, while Jordan Henderson and Fabinho departed for the Saudi Pro League.
Schmadtke previously spent four years at Hannover between 2009 and 2013 and has now returned as managing director of sport, replacing Marcus Mann. He signed a contract that runs until February 2029 and will oversee both the first team and the club’s academy.
Hannover have moved quickly in the transfer market since Schmadtke’s return, completing three signings, including Elias Saad, who has joined the club on loan from FC Augsburg.
Schmadtke said: “I am very pleased to be back and to take on the task at Hannover 96. Now it’s about getting to work quickly. First of all, I want to quickly get a comprehensive overview and will have many discussions to learn about the internal processes, structures and perspectives.”
He added: “It’s not about me being back and things going back to the way they were. That sometimes creates false expectations. Yes, I’ve been here before. But it’s a new era, and the circumstances are different.
“Back then, I joined the first division. Now we’re in the second division and have an idea of how we might eventually get back to the first division.
“Of course, the first division is the ultimate goal in Germany, but that didn’t play a role in this case because, after making contact, I felt I could support people I like. I was happy to do that by joining the club.”
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