Achterberg leaving Liverpool after 15 years
John Achterberg: Joined Liverpool backroom staff in 2009
Written by Training Ground Guru — May 2, 2024
Liverpool Goalkeeping Coach John Achterberg is leaving the club at the end of the season after 15 years.
The Dutchman joined Liverpool's backroom staff in 2009, initially working with younger players at the club. A year later he stepped up to senior dutiesand was subsequently appointed Goalkeeping Coach in 2011.
The former Tranmere keeper served under four managers – Roy Hodgson, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp – and lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Community Shield and three League Cups.
He said: "After 15 years at the club, I have decided with a heavy heart to leave LFC. It has been an unbelievable and great journey for me and my family. I have loved each day working at this amazing club, but after a long think I feel it could be right for me to start a new challenge.
"I would like to thank FSG for all the support during those 15 years – Mike Gordon, John Henry, Tom Werner and Billy Hogan. It has been a privilege to work for the biggest and greatest club in world football with its amazing supporters. Whether they are Scouse or non-Scouse, I loved them all worldwide.
"A massive thank you goes to our manager Jürgen Klopp. What joy he gives to all of us. Klopp has fulfilled all our dreams at LFC. He is one of [the] best managers in the history of the city, the club and world football.
"He created world-class teams with his man-management skills, he brought us back to being believers, winners, and a force in European and world football.
"For me personally, I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me and my family, for the trust he gave me to do my job to the best I can, the joy, inspiration and the great leadership."
Achterberg's exit will mean Liverpool are losing almost an entire coaching staff in the summer. Along with Klopp, assistants Pep Lijnders, Vitor Matos and Peter Krawietz are also leaving.
Liverpool’s remaining Goalkeeper Coaches are Jack Robinson and Claudio Taffarel and new Head Coach Arne Slot is expected to bring Jyri Nieminen in with him from Feyenoord to Anfield.
