Liverpool’s new signing join team early for pre-season after Copa America exit

Fabian Otte has cut short his summer holiday to start work as Liverpool’s head of first team goalkeeper coaching early following the United States’ group-stage exit from the Copa America.

The 33-year-old was added to Arne Slot’s newly-formed backroom staff at Anfield last month, replacing the long-serving goalkeeper coach John Achterberg following the Dutchman’s exit to Al-Ettifaq.

However, the Reds have had to wait for the German to report for duty due to his international commitments with the USA national side.

Previously goalkeeping coach for both Borussia Monchengladbach, Slot had granted Otte a break following his close-season excursions. However, after a one-week break, the goalkeeping coach has reportedly to the AXA Training Centre prematurely to begin work with Liverpool.

Fabian Otte during the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Mnchengladbach and RB Leipzig ANP | Dutch Height | Gerrit van Keulen (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

Speaking about his arrival, Slot who had never met Otte before his appointment spoke about how he has been impressed by his commitment.

“He also had a tournament, he was with the USA team,” the Dutchman said when confirming Otte’s arrival in Kirkby. “Unfortunately for him, they went out of the tournament.

“I gave him a few weeks off but he said: ‘No, I want to come as soon as I can’. So he’s already in now after one week’s holiday and I think that’s what you like to see. Having a holiday is important but you like to see staff members and players, that they want to come in as early as they can to join the team and help us for hopefully a very good season.”

Slot also explained the importance of Aaron Briggs’ role after the 37-year-old was confirmed as Liverpool’s new first team individual development coach earlier this week.

“He’s most importantly finding the bridge between the youth academy and the first team,” he said. “Doing a lot of one-to-one meetings with the players as well and of course help us with the training sessions.

“He is just a member of our staff, maybe a bit more focussed on the players who are in between the 21s and the first team. He has an analysis background as well as being an assistant coach so we’re going to use him in every department.”