Reuniting with Steven Gerrard: John Achterberg’s New Challenge in Saudi Arabia
After 15 years as Liverpool’s goalkeeping coach, John Achterberg has decided to seek a new challenge. His departure from the club will reunite him with former teammate Steven Gerrard, as he is set to join the coaching staff at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Achterberg’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer, and despite expectations that he would stay on to welcome a new manager, he has chosen to embark on a fresh chapter in his career. In an emotional thank you letter posted on Instagram, the 52-year-old expressed his gratitude for his time at Liverpool but acknowledged that it was time for him to pursue a new challenge.
According to Simon Mullock, the Mirror’s chief football writer, Achterberg has been offered a role as part of Gerrard’s coaching staff at Al-Ettifaq. This move would reunite the pair, who were both at Liverpool from 2009 to 2015. It comes as a surprise considering Achterberg’s longstanding presence on Merseyside since 1998, where he initially worked at Tranmere before joining Liverpool’s academy.
For Gerrard, bringing Achterberg on board would be a significant coup. The experienced goalkeeping coach has a keen eye for talent and has previously spoken about scouring all leagues for promising goalkeepers. In an interview with This Is Anfield, Achterberg revealed his dedication to identifying emerging talent in the goalkeeping position.
Gerrard himself has faced criticism during his tenure at Al-Ettifaq but has managed to hold on to his position and even signed a contract extension in January, keeping him at the club until 2027. Despite currently sitting eighth in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ettifaq has maintained a solid defensive record, with only three teams conceding fewer goals after 30 games.
At Al-Ettifaq, the current goalkeeping department consists of Artur Guedes as the designated coach and Paulo Victor, a former Flamengo and Gremio goalkeeper, as the number one choice. Two Saudi natives serve as the backup options. With Achterberg’s arrival, there may be changes in the coaching setup, and it remains to be seen what this means for the current goalkeeper coaches at Liverpool, Jack Robinson and Claudio Taffarel.
Overall, Achterberg’s decision to seek a new challenge in Saudi Arabia, reuniting with Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, marks a significant moment in his career. With his wealth of experience and eye for talent, his addition to Gerrard’s coaching staff could prove instrumental in further strengthening the team’s defensive capabilities. Only time will tell how this new chapter unfolds and the impact it has on both Achterberg and Al-Ettifaq.