Gerrard will throw to KEY man Klopp

Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg is set to end his 15-year association with the club this summer – and is already set for a new job.

Achterberg is now expected to reunite with former club captain Steven Gerrard as part of his training at Al-Ettifaq.

The Dutchman has reportedly been offered a deal to join the Saudi Pro League after the end of the current season.

Achterberg’s departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era, which coincides with Klopp’s impending exit as manager at the end of the Premier League campaign.

It is part of the setup under five managers

Aged 52, he has been instrumental in shaping the club’s goalkeeping legacy.

Achterberg began his coaching journey at Prenton Park after hanging up his gloves at Tranmere Rovers. He joined Liverpool in 2009 under Rafa Benitez.

Over the years, he then rose to a prominent role under four subsequent managers: Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp.

He has become a familiar face to many fans, often appearing front and center on the bench on match days.

Achterberg was key to Alisson’s recruitment

Achterberg’s influence extended beyond the training ground, notably helping to identify and recruit Alisson Becker from AS Roma in 2018.

Of course, the Brazilian has become one of the best in the world and a cornerstone of the club’s success in recent years.

Chelsea v Liverpool Premier League 13/08/2023. Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker 1 prepare before the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, London, England on August 13, 2023. DataCo restrictions apply Use only editorial See www.football-dataco.com , Copyright : xIanxStephenx PSI-17824-0337

I leave “with a heavy heart”

Reflecting on his tenure, Achterberg said he will embark on a new challenge with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave LFC,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible and great journey for me and my family. I’ve enjoyed working every day at this amazing club, but after much thought I feel it would be right for me to start a new challenge.”

Special praise for Klopp

Achterberg reserved special praise for Klopp, hailing his transformative impact on the club.

“What joy it gives us all,” he said. “He has created world-class teams with his managerial skills, brought us back to being loyal, winning and a force in European and world football.”

As Achterberg prepares to embark on a new chapter, he will join another Reds legend in the form of Gerrard and take on a very different challenge.