Jurgen Klopp ally returns to Anfield for VIP treatment amid Liverpool 'pressure'

A former Liverpool coach hailed as crucial to the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp was back at Anfield on Saturday and admitted to feeling the heat during the 2-2 draw with Fulham.

John Achterberg served as the goalkeeper coach at the club from 2009 through until June 2024, departing at the same time that Klopp stepped down from his role at manager.

He’s since moved to Saudi Arabia to work under Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, although the pair have been under pressure amid their team’s poor run of form.

And the regard in which he is held at Liverpool was laid bare by the VIP treatment he received. On his Instagram story, the 53-year-old posted images of being wined and dined in the legends suite, before taking his seat in the stands for the game.

He later uploaded another post of his view from the Main Stand. The 53-year-old, who played more than 300 league games for Tranmere Rovers before going into coaching, also implied the tension was the same for him whether watching as a fan or as employee.

“Great to be back and watch the boys @liverpoolfc,” he wrote. “The same pressure in the stand as on the bench! Good come back of (from) the boys. Thanks Liverpool to have me back YNWA.”

During his tenure, Klopp never hid his admiration for Achterberg’s work with the club. The Dutchman worked with the likes of Pepe Reina and Alisson during his 15-year stint, with the Brazilian praising for his contribution after Liverpool’s 2019/20 Premier League title winning campaign.

“John has proved to be not just a great goalkeeping coach but a great guy, a great person,” he said. “He leaves me very calm and relaxed on a day-to-day basis and we learn from each other’s work. I’ve pointed out some areas that contribute to his work and likewise he has helped me with things I can improve in on the pitch.”

Alisson made a crucial late stop with his legs against Fulham as the Reds played out a pulsating 90 minutes. And Achterberg’s reference to the comeback came from twice coming from behind despite the first half red card to Andy Robertson.

His love for his former club hasn’t necessarily gone down well in the Middle East though. Both he and Gerrard came under fire in October after the manger admitted the pair arranged Al-Ettifaq training sessions around watching live Liverpool matches.

The club are currently in the midst of a Christmas break, not returning to action until January 10. They signed off by ending a run of nine Saudi Pro League matches without a win, beating Al-Khaleej 2-1 last Saturday.