Things are set to change considerably at Liverpool over the next couple of months.
Over the past nine years, supporters have become completely used to Jurgen Klopp, his staff and his methods.
But as Arne Slot prepares to take over at Anfield, fans are going to have to recalibrate their expectations of their manager.
Part of that will be in becoming familiar with a whole new team behind the scenes. Slot is said to be bringing at least three members of staff with him from Feyenoord, that’s three more faces to get to know.
And get to know them we will. The likes of Pep Lijnders, Vitor Matos and Peter Krawietz have become part of the furniture over the years. It will be sad to see all of them go. So far, it had seemed that most of the rest of the backroom team will be staying, but now that appears it may not be the case.
Liverpool could lose John Achterberg
When a new manager comes in, it’s logical that there will be some changes behind the scenes. It doesn’t do to replace everybody, but a coach will always want to work with people he knows can bring him success.
That’s presumably why Slot is said to have tried – and failed – to bring his old Feyenoord assistant and current Shakhtar Donetsk manager Marino Pusic with him to Anfield.
The other coaches reportedly joining Slot are Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters and Etienne Reijnen. All Dutchmen.
However, TalkSPORT are now claiming that despite the influx of his countrymen at the club, Liverpool’s own Dutch coach, John Achterberg, could now leave.
There hasn’t yet been sign of a different goalkeeping coach being touted, but Achterberg reportedly now faces an ‘uncertain future’ with the Reds.
It’s claimed that with Slot looking to bring in his own staff, ‘the majority’ of Klopp’s coaching team are expected to be on the move.
Who is John Achterberg
Most Liverpool fans will be more than familiar with Achterberg, who joined the club as far back as 2009.
He did face some criticism during the days of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius in particular. But over the past few years he has become a key part of Alisson Becker’s success at the club.
Alisson himself is a huge fan of Achterberg. Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com just months after his arrival at in 2018, the Brazilian had this to say about his coach.
“John has proved to be not just a great goalkeeping coach but a great guy, a great person. Since I arrived I’ve noticed he’s loved by all here.”
With the 52-year-old having become more visible during Klopp’s tenure, it would make sense for him to leave along with the German. Liverpool would be well covered with Jack Robinson and Claudio Taffarel in Achto’s place. But still, it would be sad to see him go.