Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes the club’s relationship with English Premier League club Liverpool will not be affected by the sacking of former manager Brendan Rodgers and his replacement with German Jurgen Klopp.
The Dons have two players on loan from the Anfield club – goalkeeper Danny Ward, who has played every minute of this season, and Northern Irish defender Ryan McLaughlin, who has been used sparingly since arriving at Pittodrie.
McInnes, who also travelled to England to watch the Reds train while Rodgers was in charge, does not believe the arrival of former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp last month will hinder the relationship between the clubs.
He said: “The relationship with Liverpool was initially through Brendan, but the relationship is there with the club at all levels.
“I think it is important we have that relationship. You never know what can happen but we are confident that, certainly in Danny’s case, Liverpool see the value in him being here at Aberdeen.
“They are delighted with the fact he is getting good experience and experiencing good times as well as tougher times.
“He has faced different situations that will help his development. We are confident they think Danny is in the right place.”
Ward is on loan at Pittodrie until the end of the campaign, while it remains to be seen whether Northern Ireland international McLaughlin’s deal will be extended when his loan spell expires at the end of January.
Liverpool have high hopes for 22-year-old Ward, who signed a five-year contract in the summer.
Aberdeen manager McInnes is delighted with the contribution the goalkeeper, who is currently on international duty with Wales, has made since arriving at the club.
McInnes added: “Even when we weren’t getting the results we would have wanted, Danny was one of the players who was still going out and playing well.
“It can be easy to find form when things are going well and a player is feeling confident.
“Sometimes it can be a bit more of a challenge when things aren’t going well but we are really pleased with the way Danny has settled at the club, he has been great for us.”