Liverpool have undergone a lot of change since the end of the 2023/24 season which marked the end of Jurgen Klopp’s illustrious time as manager.
When he left, so did his entire coaching staff and key members of the recruitment department.
Michael Edwards has returned to the club as CEO of Football while the Reds poached Richard Hughes from his role as Bournemouth Sporting Director.
Hughes’ first summer at the club was not the busiest in terms of incoming with just the two deals to talk about. But unlike in previous seasons, Liverpool weren’t as desperate for new signings.
On that note, Ornstein has been speaking about the business Liverpool did do and
David Ornstein discusses the importance of patience amid staff changes at Liverpool
Richard Hughes (L), Billy Hogan (R). Credit: Imago Images
“Credit to Richard Hughes. I’ve said this a few times on air and some fans have reacted quite badly, but I think bit by bit, people are starting to say similar things,” the Athletic reporter said on The Athletic FC podcast.
“It’s just watching, listening and talking to people who are better-versed in the situation than us. They’re very complimentary. I speak to other clubs, directors, people who move in a similar world, sporting directors, technical directors… and so far, they’re taking their hat off to Richard Hughes.
“He arrived from Bournemouth and there was some scrutiny around that. Is he good enough for the job at Liverpool? Michael Edwards clearly thought so because that was his pick as sporting director at Liverpool when he took the role as CEO of Football for Fenway Sports Group.
“He didn’t have much time to get his feet under the table. He was working at Bournemouth and, of course, he would have had an eye on his next job, but that wouldn’t have been easy – nor will have replacing Jurgen Klopp after nine years at the club.
“He had to set about instilling a new culture and environment at the AXA training complex, employing new staff in various positions, bringing deals to the table for departures such as Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg, overseeing that and raising yet more money through exits, Liverpool have been so good at that. And then looking at what they can do incoming.
“They decided they would only do things that would add to the squad and improve it. So a No.6 was on the agenda; everyone could see a mile off it was something that if Liverpool could do, they should do.”
