“A really good direction” is how Alisson Becker describes the work of Liverpool’s revamped goalkeeping department this season.
As part of the transition that saw Arne Slot replace Jürgen Klopp as manager during the summer, there were also changes behind the scenes.
Long-serving goalkeeping coach John Achterberg and assistant Jack Robinson said their farewells to the club, and Fabian Otte was brought in as head of first-team goalkeeper coaching.
World Cup winner Claudio Taffarel also remained on the staff. On the playing side, Vitezslav Jaros returned from a successful loan spell with Sturm Graz, and Harvey Davies took on a more permanent role at senior level after the departure of experienced goalkeeper Adrián.
For this restructured group, it’s been a case of so far, so good.
With Alisson, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Jaros all having featured between the posts in the 2024-25 season, the Reds have recorded 12 clean sheets and won 20 of their 24 matches in all competitions.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Alisson said: “It’s not easy to change, I had – and have still – a really good relationship with John and Jack.
“And with Taffa, all three working together were really good. Not only for myself but also for the other goalkeepers as well, but the club decided to change, so you have to just accept that.
“Fabian is a great guy, full of energy, young, brings a lot of quality. He didn’t change too much, to be honest, because when he came in we had a lot of talks about how I like to work, how the goalies like to work.
“I said to him, I have a way of working but I want you to bring something because he came here to put something on the table as well – and I am smart enough to know that I don’t know all things about football.
“He is someone who came in a humble way to adapt and I can adapt as well, it’s not a problem. He is helping us in a really good direction, helping Caoimh, helping the other goalies, Jaros and Harvey. That’s an important part as well, it’s not only about myself.
“We are doing well so far and I hope we keep working well to reach the targets we have.
“They are big targets, we set those targets at the beginning of the season when we talked – me, Fabian and Taffa together – so it’s important for us to keep a good level of work so we are prepared for all situations for games, for the whole season.”
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