Steven Gerrard set for reunion with long-serving Liverpool coach loved by Alisson

Steven Gerrard is set for a Liverpool reunion with goalkeeper coach John Achterberg this summer. The 52-year-old has been offered an opportunity in the Saudi Pro League with the former midfielder at Al-Ettifaq after his time at Anfield comes to an end, according to The Mirror.

Achterberg has been at the Reds since joining Rafa Benitez's backroom staff in 2009, where Gerrard got a firsthand look at the coaching talents the Dutchman can provide. The former Tranmere Rovers shot-stopper will step down from his role at Liverpool at the end of the season, following the exit of current boss Jürgen Klopp.

He made the decision last week and released the following statement, where he also outlined he was on the lookout for new opportunities ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. “After 15 years at the club, I have decided with a heavy heart to leave LFC," he said.

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‌“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 thinking, I feel it could be right for me to start a new challenge.

“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 has now been offered the chance to work with Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq. The former Liverpool captain has regularly recruited former Reds to the Middle East, such as Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Achterberg was crucial in the signing of Alisson having initially recommended the goalkeeper, and the Brazilian spoke extremely highly of what the coach brought to the club.

He previously told Liverpool's official website: "John has proved to be not just a great goalkeeping coach but a great guy, a great person. He leaves me very calm and relaxed on a day-to-day basis and we learn from each other’s work.

"I’ve pointed out some areas that contribute to his work and likewise he has helped me with things I can improve in on the pitch. I believe the relationship between a goalkeeper and the goalkeeping coach needs to be an exchange, with a great deal of trust"

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool is now entering a new era at the club under Arne Slot- who may want to bring his goalkeeping coach into the club. Everyone associated with the team will wish Achterberg well in his next venture!