Amid a significant turnover in Liverpool’s coaching staff following the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp, it has been confirmed that goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel will likely remain with the club.
This comes as a relief for the team as they navigate a period of substantial change.
Jurgen Klopp bid farewell to Liverpool on Sunday as the 2023/24 Premier League season drew to a close. His departure has triggered a mass exodus of coaches, including head goalkeeping coach John Achterberg and his assistant Jack Robinson, who both left after long tenures.
Newly appointed head coach Arne Slot has already begun assembling his backroom team, with three new members confirmed.
However, the departures of five key figures have left gaps in the staff, leading to concerns about further exits.
Alisson thinks Taffarel will stay
Speaking at Anfield after Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Wolves, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker provided some much-needed reassurance. Despite the upheaval, Alisson confirmed that Taffarel, the Brazilian World Cup winner, is set to stay.
Speaking to Stadium Astro with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, Alisson commended the work of the coaching team, especially those in the goalkeeping department.
He said: “I think all of these guys did an amazing job.
“Of course, we wanted to have them more here around [for longer]. In my case, as a goalkeeper working directly with Jonny and Jack…"
When interrupted to be asked by McManaman if "Taff is staying”, Alisson responded, “Looks like, looks like.”
Continuity amid Kelleher and Adrian uncertainty
Taffarel’s retention is seen as a positive move, especially for Alisson, who recommended him for a coaching role back in 2021. Their strong working relationship is expected to help maintain stability within the goalkeeping department.
With the looming uncertainties over the futures of goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher, who could be off to Celtic, and Adrian, who has been linked with a return to Spain, Taffarel's continued presence could provide much-needed continuity.
That said, the club will still consider adding another goalkeeping coach to Slot’s staff, with Feyenoord’s Jyri Nieminen under consideration.