Jürgen Klopp bade farewell to Liverpool on Sunday as the curtain fell on the 2023/24 Premier League season.
With Arne Slot since officially announced as Liverpool’s new head coach, three of his new Reds backroom team have also been confirmed.
With five key figures heading out of the exit door and three coming, that leaves Liverpool a little light. We can’t really afford for any more to go.
Thankfully, speaking at Anfield following Sunday’s win over Wolves, goalkeeper Alisson Becker had some good news in that respect.
You could forgive Alisson for feeling a little emotional on Sunday. Not only was he having to say goodbye to the only Liverpool manager he’s ever known, but his own goalkeeping department was also decimated.
Head goalie coach John Achterberg left after 15 years of strong service, with his assistant Jack Robinson also following.
There could yet be more change, too. There are real question marks over Caoimhin Kelleher’s future, while third-choice Adrian is also out of contract. Throw in the fact that Alisson is attracting interest of his own, and things could be turned upside down this summer.
Asked by Liverpool legend Steve McManaman for Stadium Astro how he feels about all this change though, Alisson remained philosophical.
“I think all of these guys did an amazing job,” said the Brazilian. “Of course we wanted to have them more here around [for longer]. In my case as a goalkeeper working directly with Jonny and Jack..
“But Taff’s staying isn’t he, Taff is staying?” McManaman interjected, referring to a third goalkeeping coach, Brazil World Cup winner Claudio Taffarel.
“Looks like, looks like,” confirmed Alisson. “But the experience that we had the last years, I wish I could stay with them more, but it’s not in my hands. I love those guys, not only as goalie coaches but as people as well.”
There had remained a question mark over exactly what would happen to Taffarel this summer.
While those around him left, there had been no official recognition that the 58-year-old would be on his way, too.
In our opinion, it’s really good news that Taffarel is set to stay. As rumours continue to fly around regarding Alisson, the presence of his friend, countryman and mentor can only be a positive thing.
It is also worth pointing out that although he’s out of contract, the lack of a send-off for Adrian on Sunday suggests that he may stay as well.
With positions needing to be filled, could it be possible that the 37-year-old steps up to fill the gloves of some of his former coaches? Let’s wait and see.
