Liverpool has announced Fabian Otte as their new goalkeeper coach, a candidate Jurgen Klopp had shown interest in previously.
With the departure of John Achterberg to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, and his assistant Jack Robinson also exiting, the Reds were in need of someone to step into the breach.
Otte, a 33-year-old German, will take up the role after his commitments with the USA national team at the Copa America conclude.
Already making an impression in his career, Otte caught the attention of Klopp, the former manager, as early as 2021.
During the 2020/21 season, Otte served as a coach at Burnley before moving to Borussia Monchengladbach.
He recounted to Sky Sports an encounter with Klopp before Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Turf Moor that season, where Klopp greeted him with a smile.
Otte elaborated: “Jurgen Klopp is a big name; I've known of him, read about him, and seen him on TV for many years. I simply waved back.
“When I returned to the changing room, the kitman mentioned, 'Jurgen Klopp was inquiring about you. He said he read an article about you and was interested.'
“Later, I had a lengthy conversation with him, and he was incredibly approachable. It was a fascinating experience.
“This is the Liverpool manager. He could have many other things to do than to read about me, yet he was familiar with many details about me.”
This anecdote not only highlights Klopp's approachability but also indicates that Otte has been on Liverpool's radar for some time.
In Otte's initial LFC TV interview, he expressed: “Bringing in Fabian, whom I hadn't met before, involved discussions and meetings with him – along with Richard (Hughes, sporting director) – to find the best possible candidate.
“And I believe we succeeded with Fabian.
“He is considered one of the most promising goalkeeper coaches currently, and this was evident in our meetings.”
