Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp issues emotional message as departure confirmed

Liverpool goalkeeper boss John Achterberg has delivered an emotional farewell message as he prepares to end a 15-year association with the club.

Achterberg’s contract with the Reds expires at the end of the season and with Jurgen Klopp and several key members of the coaching staff leaving in the summer, the Dutchman has opted to leave as well.

The former Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper joined Liverpool in 2009, initially to work with the younger players, before being promoted to the senior team two years later.

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Achterberg rose to prominence under Klopp, with Liverpool winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Community Shield. During his time at the club, the Reds also won the League Cup when Kenny Dalglish was in charge.

And confirming his imminent exit, Achterberg said on social media: “After 15 years at the club, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave LFC. It was an incredible and great trip for me and my family. I loved every day. I work at this amazing club but after much thought I feel it would be appropriate for me to start a new challenge.

“I would like to thank FSG for all their support over these 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. be they Scouse or non-Scouse, I’ve loved them all around the world.

“A massive thank you goes to our manager Jurgen Klopp. What a joy he gives us all. Klopp has fulfilled all his dreams at LFC. He is one of the (best) managers in the history of the city, the club and the world. Football.

“He created world-class teams with his managerial skills, brought us back to being loyal, winning 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 confidence he has given me to do my job to the best of my ability, for the joy, inspiration and great leadership”.

Achterberg added: “It has allowed me to scout goalkeepers to bring them in and continue to develop goalkeepers to a world-class standard. I leave behind probably the best goalkeepers and goalkeeping department in LFC history. Some goalkeepers we sold, but the aim was always to give them a professional career in football.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked at the club with me all these years and made every day a joy to work there. I will miss you all like crazy. I have made so many friends and good colleagues, from the coaches to all the goalkeepers and Players I worked with during those years, there are also the ground staff, the kitchen staff, the equipment team, the fitness department, nutrition, the press department, the video and photo team , I’m sure I forgot someone, but you all made it an extra privilege to work there.”