Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has spoken of his respect for goalkeeping coach John Achterberg.
The Brazilian has made an excellent start to life at Anfield, making a huge difference between the sticks and keeping seven clean-sheets in 12 Premier League appearances.
In an interview with Liverpool’s official website, Alisson discussed his happiness at working alongside Achterberg, highlighting his qualities as a coach and popularity as a person:
John has proved to be not just a great goalkeeping coach but a great guy, a great person. Since I arrived I’ve noticed he’s loved by all here.
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.
I believe the relationship between a goalkeeper and the goalkeeping coach needs to be an exchange, with a great deal of trust, and we have been developing this as a team, training together, and I’m getting on great with the other ‘keepers.
Achterberg’s capabilities in the role have often been questioned by a section of Liverpool supporters, due mainly to the string of suspect goalkeepers at the club since Pepe Reina’s peak years.
Alisson’s comments will likely put that theory to bed, however, with the 26-year-old clearly thriving alongside him.
