Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is confident the surprise departure of director of football Damien Comolli will not distract his team ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Everton.
This season the Reds have attracted their fair share of bad headlines for things happening off the field, and the timing of this latest announcement appeared odd just a couple of days ahead of a Wembley derby.
But Dalglish does not believe the latest development will have any bearing on his players' approach.
"The preparation for the game will go ahead as planned," Dalglish said.
"We will just concentrate on the game and go ahead with it, that is what we are here for.
"It is a big game, the semi-final of the cup with probably a bit more added to it because it is a local derby - although it's a bit strange playing a derby at Wembley."
It seems hardly a month can go by without Liverpool creating or being involved in some upheaval.
As well as playing a part in the signing of Carroll, Comolli also contributed to one of the most dramatic days in the history of the Premier League by helping along the deal that took Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million late on the same day.
Other signings to have headed to Anfield while Comolli has been in office include the likes of Luis Suarez, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique who, between them, purchased for a total touching £90million.
They have not all been universally popular additions to the Liverpool squad, though, with some fans questioning the merits of paying such high prices for players who have yet to make a consistent impact at Anfield.
"I had a fantastic working and personal relationship with Damien since he came here," said manager Kenny Dalglish.
"It is disappointing but I suppose there is not much in football which comes as a surprise."
"He has been really helpful in every transfer target we've gone for.
"Everyone who has come into the club since Damien has been here was of my choice.
"Once I made the choice who I wanted Damien went away and did a fantastic job of bringing them in.
"It is sad to see anyone leave the football club and he goes with my best wishes and hopefully it is not long before we meet again.
"We wish him well with everything that he does."
Earlier in his career, the 39-year-old Comolli had held a similar post at Tottenham.
He was heralded for securing deals for players such as Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Dimitar Berbatov but, much like his time at Liverpool, not all his dealings were well thought of.
The likes of David Bentley and Adel Taarabt were never able to make their mark at White Hart Lane and former manager Martin Jol was outspoken about his uneasy relationship with Comolli.
