Liverpool legend John Barnes takes aim at Michael Edwards after exit - 'People need to wake up'
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SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool icon Barnes takes aim at Edwards after exit - 'People need to wake up'Liverpool great John Barnes has dismissed the importance of Michael Edwards at the club after the former Reds' sporting director quit his role as Fenway Sports Group's CEO of Football.Edwards departed his role on Friday two years into a three year contract, having returned to FSG in 2024 following the departure of Jurgen Klopp as manager.While not officially an employee of Liverpool, Edwards oversaw the work of Reds sporting director Richard Hughes in his CEO of Football role, and was said to be frustrated that FSG failed to add another club to its stable despite studying various options for another takeover and they looked into a multi-club ownership model.In his statement after quitting, Edwards said: "It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at such an important moment.“I leave believing Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success.“When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help guide Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the chance to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions."While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team undertook in presenting ownership with a broad range of thoughtful and well-developed options for the future."Reds icon Barnes has given short shrift to the exit though.Speaking to Betfred, the former club captain said: “How many goals did he score for Liverpool last season? How many saves did he make?"The manager and the players are the most important people.
It’s them and the players who go out and win matches, not the CEOs and sporting directors.“Are Liverpool not going to sign anybody now because Michael Edwards is leaving? Are Liverpool not going to be able to identify talent anymore because Michael Edwards is leaving?"Are players not going to move to Liverpool anymore because Michael Edwards isn’t there?
People need to wake up.”After Edwards' exit there remains uncertainty around the future of Hughes, who is expected to depart for Saudi Arabia after the closure of the transfer window.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageChoose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCMichael Edwards