Liverpool appoint Achterberg as youth goalkeeping coach

Liverpool have bolstered their Academy staff by appointing Tranmere stalwart John Achterberg reports the Post. Achterberg has spent the past 11 years across the Mersey at Prenton Park will move to the Anfield outfit as a goalkeeping coach, working primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi Valero’s stewardship.

The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, made more than 300 appearances for Rovers since arriving in England from FC Eindhoven in 1998, was player-goalkeeping coach at Tranmere, acting as understudy in the first team to Danny Coyne.

Achterberg said: “This is a dream chance – I need to take it with both hands. It’s a massive wrench for me to leave Tranmere after so many years, the fans there have always been so great to me and hopefully they always will be. I’d like to think that the Tranmere fans will understand my move however as I’m joining one of the best clubs in the world.” He said: “A chance like this doesn’t come along too often. Coaching is the future for myself, I’d been doing more and more of it at Tranmere in recent years and that’s where I needed to progress. In the same way you want to play at the best club possible as a player you want to do the same as a coach. When you hear a whisper that Liverpool might want you there’s not much thinking needed in your decision – you need to do what is best for yourself.”

Achterberg, will be reunited at Melwood with former Tranmere colleague John McMahon who has replaced Gary Ablett as Liverpool’s reserve team manager. He said: “It will be nice to work with John. I’ve always got on really well with him and have a very positive work relationship. I can’t wait to start. I’ve already met Rafa (Benitez) twice and I’ll be speaking to Xavi (Valero) soon to discuss our plans for training.”

Future outlined by new Academy director

Liverpool’s new Academy director Frank McParland has outlined plans for the overhaul of the club’s youth set-up says today’s Post. The article goes on to say: “As many as 16 academy employees – including coaches, physiotherapists and sports scientists – have left the club in recent weeks" as the shake up continues. "McParland is heading up a new set-up with new technical director Jose Segura, who has worked in Barcelona’s youth set-up, also on board.”

Speaking abut the plans, McParland said: “Work continues to identify the best possible people to get the academy working properly again and producing players that can progress through to the first team. I hope to be able to confirm other additions to our team within the next month. We will examine every part of the academy’s operation and will be looking to make improvements not just in the coaching set-up, but also in areas such as medical, physio and fitness work. One new initiative will see the appointment of a head of sports science, who will tailor specific programmes for individual age groups to help them progress more quickly.”