31 January 2024 , 08:41
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Jamie Carragher has slammed the "mad" suggestion that former Liverpool chief Michael Edwards is more responsible for the Reds’ success than Jurgen Klopp.
The club’s former sporting director has been linked with a move back to Anfield over recent days. Reports have claimed that Liverpool have offered him the chance to return to Merseyside in a more senior position overseeing the restructure of the club, in the aftermath of Klopp’s shock exit announcement.
However, he has rejected the chance to return. That has caused plenty of Liverpool fans to discuss Edwards’ previous role at Anfield.
One supporter suggested that he should take huge acclaim for the Reds’ success over recent years. Taking to Twitter, the fan wrote: “Klopp is a god in my eyes but let’s all be honest that it’s clear as day him and Lijnders are the reason Edwards left. The moment Klopp is leaving they’re asking Edwards to come back.”
However, Carragher is not so convinced. He suggests that Klopp’s prior success in the Bundesliga with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund proves that he was responsible in the majority.
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He replied: “I’m sure that’s true, but this idea from some people that Edwards & co are more or equally responsible for Liverpool’s success than Klopp is mad! Klopp has been a huge success at every club he’s been at, Edwards has been fantastic at one, alongside Klopp.”
Edwards initially joined Liverpool in November 2011 from Tottenham during Kenny Dalglish’s second stint in charge. He remained under Brendan Rodgers and Klopp under various guises.
Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards enjoyed plenty of success at Liverpool (Getty Images)Who do you think should be Liverpool's next manager? Share your thoughts in the comments below
He was thought to be responsible for a number of inspired signings including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, among many others. Edwards eventually left in June 2022.
Speaking after Edwards departure was confirmed, Jurgen Klop said: “I know he isn’t leaving immediately or in haste, which is cool, so we still have some time to work together. “If we are as fortunate and blessed, as we have been so far, maybe we can create more special memories for our club in this remaining time.
“He has been a constant presence during my period at LFC and his contribution to our success is clear for everyone to see. I have complete trust in Mike Gordon and the wider ownership group in their vision for what comes next.
“Julian and I have worked closely since he became loans and pathway manager, plus even more so in his wider role during the past 12 months. We have so many brilliant people here, all of whom contribute to what we have achieved and I have nothing but confidence we will continue to develop, progress and improve as an organisation.”
Since Edwards’ departure, Julian Ward and Jorg Schmadtke have both stepped into his vacancy. The latter will also leave in the summer alongside Klopp.