"Not prepared" - Jamie Carragher claims Liverpool have been caught out

Jamie Carragher claims Liverpool were "not prepared" for Julian Ward and Ian Graham to resign from their respective roles at the Premier League club.

Ward announced on Friday that he would be stepping down as sporting director at the end of the season.

He will leave the role just one year after being appointed as Michael Edwards' replacement.

The announcement was closely followed by the news that Graham, Liverpool's director of research, was also stepping down from his role in May after handing in his resignation in the summer.

According to The Guardian, Ward's announcement has surprised and disappointed Liverpool.

The two resignations have only added to the feeling of uncertainty surrounding the club, with owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) currently exploring the possibility of a sale.

Carragher: Liverpool were not prepared

Former Liverpool defender Carragher believes the two resignations have "shocked" the club.

"It's not ideal," he told Sky Sports.

"It does feel like a little bit of a shock and I think it is a little bit of a worry for Liverpool right now.

"It's come as a shock, I'm sure they're not prepared for something like that (the upheaval) right now."

Liverpool considering changing structure

Ward’s departure could also bring about major structural changes at Anfield, with the club potentially moving away from the sporting director model first introduced at the club in 2016.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is thought to favour the sporting director model and is said to have "a pivotal role in deciding how Liverpool's football operations should be run come the end of the season".

The club's chief executive, Billy Hogan, will also be involved in the final decision over whether Liverpool keep the sporting director role.

In the meantime, Liverpool are said to have "no reservations" over Ward continuing in the role until the end of the season.