Former Liverpool Sporting Director Joins Hannover 96

Liverpool have a rare midweek break following their FA Cup victory over Barnsley, with attention shifting to the upcoming Premier League match against Burnley.[2] Away from Anfield, former Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has made a return to football after two years out, rejoining Hannover 96 as managing director of sport.[2]

The 61-year-old German previously worked at Liverpool from 2023 to early 2024, playing a pivotal role in a transformative midfield overhaul.[2] During his tenure, he oversaw the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, while facilitating the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League.[2] This rebuild was crucial amid Liverpool's squad refresh under Jürgen Klopp.[3]

Schmadtke's connection to Hannover runs deep; he spent four years there from 2009 to 2013 in a similar executive role.[2] He replaces Marcus Mann and has signed a contract until February 2029, overseeing both the first team and the club's academy.[2] Since his appointment, Hannover has acted swiftly in the transfer market, securing three signings, including Elias Saad on loan from FC Augsburg.[2]

Expressing enthusiasm, Schmadtke stated: “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.”[2] He tempered expectations, adding: “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.”[2]

Schmadtke's extensive experience includes prior roles at Wolfsburg, Cologne, and Alemannia Aachen, building on a playing career as a goalkeeper for clubs like Fortuna Dusseldorf and Borussia Monchengladbach, where he made nearly 300 Bundesliga appearances before retiring in 1998.[3] His return signals ambition for Hannover, currently navigating the German second tier.

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