Klopp: Edwards appointment is top news for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp says it is "top news" that Michael Edwards is returning to Liverpool in a role as Fenway Sports Group's CEO of Football.

Edwards starts in his new position on 1 June, having spent 10 years at the club between 2012 and 2022, including a six-year spell as Sporting Director. 

The 44-year-old helped to build the squad that won the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League and 2019/20 Premier League, playing a part in the signings of players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson.

"Michael and I, we always had a really good relationship," Klopp told the club's official website.

"I said it a few times, I want to see the club in the best possible place after I leave, so everything we can do as long as I am here I will do. After that, other people have to do it and I think it’s a top solution, honestly. A top solution.

Club News Jürgen Klopp on FSG's appointment of Michael Edwards as CEO of Football External Link

Jürgen Klopp on FSG's appointment of Michael Edwards as CEO of Football

Jürgen Klopp's reaction to news Michael Edwards will begin a new role with Fenway Sports Group this summer as CEO of Football

"Our conversation was great, we spoke about a lot of things, about what I think about different things, players and stuff like this [and] the situation in the club because I was in all the time while he was not in, so what had changed and what might have to change. These kind of things. A really good talk and, as I said, I think it’s top news for the club.

"The club is in a really good moment. Of course, people will measure that only at the end of the season and have a look at what we really achieved, but that’s not that important for the future. What we achieve is for now. For the the future it is important how good is the team, how good are the players, how good is the structure [and] how good is the organisation. That’s where my optimism comes from."

Notable signings under Edwards

Sadio Mane, 2016 from Southampton
Mohamed Salah, 2017 from Roma
Andrew Robertson, 2017 from Hull City
Virgil van Dijk, 2018 from Southampton
Fabinho, 2018 from Monaco 
Alisson, 2018 from Roma
Diogo Jota, 2020 from Wolves

Klopp was speaking ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Europa League last-16 second-leg tie with Sparta Prague on Thursday. Liverpool take a 5-1 lead to Anfield, and are boosted by star player Salah being fit enough to start. 

“It’s possible it would have been possible for him to play longer in the last game [against Manchester City], but it was just the game, how it was,” Klopp said.

“It’s important that we build up Mo, obviously super-important, but in this game changing at half-time was not necessary or possible [because] we have to deal with changes carefully.

“So, yeah, he is ready. He is top fit, everything is good now and we don’t have to deal with these kind of things anymore. I’m not sure if he is ready for 90 minutes and I’m not sure we should do 90 minutes, but he’s ready to start."