Join AI Pro

Michael Edwards’ Second Coming Unpacked

I suspect that when the groundwork for the summer was laid out by the incoming Liverpool CEO, Michael Edwards, it would have been done so with a long list of objectives that needed to be fulfilled. Following the official resignation of the former Anfield manager, Jürgen Klopp (in February of this year), it triggered the need for wholesale change that would be required throughout the club’s hierarchy.

The reds opinion splitting US ownership group, FSG, were very keen to reappoint the reds former Sporting Director, Edwards, to a prominent and controlling position, one that would effectively replace the retiring Mike Gordon. The assumed role of the 45-year-old footballing executive was to oversee all football operations within the historical club and create a pathway to brilliance and sustainability.

After Edwards’ official start on June 1st (his position was confirmed on March 12th), the listed tasks that needed addressing was to ensure everything was in place for the 2023/24 campaign. All decisions would be significant, however, much had to wait until the departure of the former manager. All the appointments below are that which have been completed thus far.

New Head Coach – Arne Slot
Appointed – July 1st 2024

New Assistant Head Coach – Sipke Hulshoff
Appointed – July 1st 2024

New Assistant Head Coach – Johnny Heitinga
Appointed – July 17th 2024

New Fitness Coach – Ruben Peeters
Appointed – July 1st 2024

New Goalkeeping Coach – Fabian Otte
Appointed – July 4th 2024

New Coach – Aaron Briggs
Appointed – July 1st 2024

New Sporting Director – Richard Hughes
Appointed – June 1st 2024

New Technical Director – Julian Ward
Appointed – May 10th 2024

New Development Director – Pedro Marques
Appointed – March 10th 2024

New Executive Assistant – David Woodfine
Appointed – June 1st 2024

That eye-watering change of structure was swiftly assembled, and the unveiling of a new set-piece coach is still expected. In addition to this near complete alteration of internal roles, the analytics and medical team has been added (due to departures), and the futures of multiple youth and senior players have been decided. Loans and sales have been undertaken, whereas existing contracts which were handed down from the previous leadership, remain on the table.

The most important and pressing contracts are clearly that of the club captain, Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, and their record-breaking scorer, Mohamed Salah. Once the ongoing transfer window has expired (end of August), that will allow the next step in the process of the CEO and his Sporting Director, Richard Hughes. Extensions for all three world-class assets will be imperative to short- and long-term success though it is something that can be undertaken in September and October. Anyone concerned about the state of each contract should look to the previous regime, not the one that has been forced to pick up the problematic baton.

What Are the Needs for the Final Week of The Window?

To supplement Arne Slot’s first squad as the Liverpool Head Coach, at least two players will be needed to ensure progression. The optics of inactivity could become toxic, especially if the promising start were to hit a few speed bumps.

A defensive midfielder and left-sided defender of note would add depth and stability, as well as appease a frustrated fanbase. What must be considered is the work behind the scenes that has already been done, which would make for the perfect start if a for pair of important signings were made.

With just over a week to go, Michael Edwards could very well achieve what Manchester United and Chelsea have struggled to do, which is realign a world class club after massive upheaval. The next week is pivotal and could well become one that defines the future of the famous footballing executive.

Join AI Pro