Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez is on the verge of making history with his goal-scoring streak for his national team. Having scored in seven consecutive games, Nunez equaled the record set by the legendary Hector Scalone. This impressive feat has not only brought recognition to Nunez but has also helped secure Uruguay’s place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America, as they have won their first two games in Group C.
Next up for Uruguay is a crucial match against the United States, the host nation. A draw in this game would be enough for Uruguay to progress to the last eight. However, if the United States fails to win and Panama defeats Bolivia, the United States will be eliminated from the tournament.
This match holds special significance for Fabian Otte, who is set to join Liverpool as their new head of first-team goalkeeper coaching. Currently serving as the goalkeeping coach for the United States national team, Otte will only be able to join Liverpool after the United States’ departure from the Copa America. Therefore, Nunez’s performance and Uruguay’s fate in the tournament could determine when Otte will link up with Liverpool for pre-season training.
If Uruguay is eliminated at the group stage, Otte could potentially join Liverpool at the start of training, which is expected to begin on Friday under the guidance of manager Arne Slot. However, if Uruguay progresses further in the tournament, Liverpool may risk starting their pre-season without both their senior goalkeeping coaches, as Claudio Taffarel also works with the Brazil national team.
Liverpool has recently seen changes in their goalkeeping coaching staff, with former head of goalkeeping John Achterberg leaving to join Al-Ettifaq and assistant coach Jack Robinson also departing. In addition, backup goalkeeper Adrian is set to join Real Betis after his contract with Liverpool expired. In the absence of Otte and Taffarel, Liverpool may need to rely on their academy staff for the initial phase of pre-season training.
One potential candidate to work with the first-team goalkeepers is Mark Morris, the U21s goalkeeping coach. Morris has already begun pre-season training with the academy and could provide support to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and his backup group. Youngsters Marcelo Pitaluga, Fabian Mrozek, and Harvey Davies may also be involved in early pre-season training, with Alisson and Vitezslav Jaros joining later in the summer.
In summary, Darwin Nunez’s goal-scoring streak for Uruguay could have implications for Liverpool’s pre-season plans and the arrival of their new head of first-team goalkeeper coaching, Fabian Otte. The outcome of Uruguay’s matches in the Copa America will determine when Otte can join Liverpool, potentially leaving the club without both senior goalkeeping coaches at the start of pre-season. Liverpool may need to rely on their academy staff, led by Mark Morris, to oversee the goalkeepers’ training until Otte and Taffarel become available.