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IMAGE CREDITS: IMAGO IMAGES
Liverpool FC have already significant changes to Arne Slot’s backroom team this summer.
John Heitinga departed at the end of May to become head coach at Ajax, with fellow Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst brought in as his successor.
In early July, long-serving coach Claudio Taffarel and one-season coach Fabian Otte both left the club.
They were replaced by Xavi Valero, who previously worked as goalkeeper coach under Rafa Benítez, returning to Merseyside to take up a First-Team Goalkeeper Coaching position.
Meanwhile, after 12 years with the club, Under-21s manager Barry Lewtas left to pursue a first-team coaching role elsewhere.
Former Wales manager Rob Page has since been brought in to oversee the U21s.
Amid these changes on the men’s side, Liverpool FC Women have also strengthened their coaching ranks.
The club has officially appointed former Liverpool man Andy Lonergan as their new goalkeeping coach.
Many Reds fans may not recall the now 41-year-old’s stint at Liverpool.
In July 2019, Klopp faced a goalkeeping shortage during pre-season.
With Alisson Becker away at the Copa America and limited backup options, the Preston-born keeper—then a free agent after departing Middlesbrough—was offered a short-term contract.
Although Lonergan never featured in a competitive match, he was part of the dressing room during Liverpool’s triumphant season that saw the club win the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
After leaving Liverpool in 2020, Lonergan’s playing journey continued with spells at Everton, Stoke City, and finally Wigan, where he began transitioning into coaching while still registered as a player.
Lonergan brings more than 400 senior appearances and a wealth of leadership experience from spells at Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers, Leeds United and Everton,
After a player-coach role at Wigan Athletic last season, the 41-year-old will head up LFC Women’s goalkeeping unit, working daily with Rachael Laws, Rafaela Borggrafe and Faye Kirby.
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