Liverpool’s owners FSG have appointed an experienced sporting executive as the group prepares to begin the hunt for Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Theo Epstein will join FSG as ‘senior advisor’ and is set to oversee sporting matters for Liverpool, baseball franchise the Boston Red Sox, and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL among others.
The 50-year-old spent nearly a decade as the Red Sox’s CEO, overseeing two World Series wins before enjoying further success at president of the Chicago Cubs between 2011 and 2020.
According to reports from the United States, one of Epstein’s principal responsibilities will be consulting as Liverpool attempt to find a suitable replacement for Klopp in the Anfield dugout.
‘I am thrilled and honoured to return to FSG,’ Epstein said regarding his appointment per the Mirror.
‘This is truly a unique opportunity for me – a chance to partner with people who mean a lot to me; a chance to challenge myself in new arenas; and a chance to use my experience and perspective to help others succeed and win at the highest level.
‘FSG is a dynamic, groundbreaking organisation with an incredible track record of accomplishment across sports. The special connection I feel toward this organisation and the ownership group has stayed with me through the years. I am proud and humbled to return as a minority owner and adviser.
‘In this role, I will not be the one making decisions; rather, I’ll be the one asking questions, offering opinions, building trust, and supporting the terrific people at FSG to help us reach new heights.’
Klopp shocked the footballing world when he announced last week that this season would be his last on Merseyside after nine years at the club.
The 56-year-old insisted that an accumulation of fatigue has left him no longer the right person to lead the club forward, and that nothing would cause him to reverse his decision.
As such, the search for a new manager is already underway, with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso thought to be a leading candidate following his success in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has also been touted as a potential replacement for Klopp after leading the Seagulls to European football during his maiden campaign in English football
