Jurgen Klopp admits he was ‘surprised’ at Julian Ward decision to leave Liverpool.
Ward will stand down from his post as the club’s sporting director at the end of this season, less than a year after he had succeeded Michael Edwards.
The 41-year-old tended his resignation in November, barely six months into his new role, despite enjoying a close working relationship with Klopp.
Ward and the Reds’ manager previously combined to complete the signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho over the previous 12 months.
“It was a surprise when Julian told me,” admitted Klopp.
“But we will work completely normal together until the day when he will leave. Julian is 100 per cent committed and everything is fine.
“We never had a problem and will not have a problem, so it’s all fine. I think he told us after the Southampton game, so I was surprised in that moment.
“But it’s his decision and that’s OK. It will have no impact for this period.”