Image Credits: Instagram/@taffareloriginal
Liverpool FC have officially announced Cláudio Taffarel has deparedt the club this summer, bringing to an end a highly influential four-year spell at the AXA Training Centre .
Joining Jürgen Klopp’s backroom staff in November 2021, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper was tasked with refining the Reds’ shot-stopping philosophy and quickly became a trusted mentor for Liverpool’s goalkeeping department .
During his tenure, Taffarel helped to establish Liverpool as a proper goalkeeping school in world football under Klopp.
It i apparent how much first-choice stopper Alisson Becker valued Taffarel’s guidance.
Teammates and fellow coaches have repeatedly remarked on the Brazilian’s influence, with John Achterberg revealing that after Klopp left that “if they would also change Taffarel, they probably would have told Ali to find a new club basically”.
Beyond his Merseyside duties, Taffarel continues to serve as goalkeeping coach for the Brazil national team, a role he has held since 2014 and which he resumed in January 2024 to aid preparations for the Copa America.
Now, taking to Instagram, Taffarel gave a short but heartfelt thank you to the club and the fans for his four years at Anfield:
“So grateful and proud of the time working with Liverpool FC,” the Brazilian wrote.
“My most sincere thank you to every single staff member, all the players, and of course the amazing fans.”
“These years will forever be in my heart”
Liverpool have already lined up a successor. Spanish specialist Xavi Valero will return to Merseyside as a first-team goalkeeper coaching, taking over the reins vacated by Fabian Otte and Taffarel.
The 52-year-old Valero brings extensive Premier League and international experience, having worked under Rafael Benítez at Anfield in 2007 and most recently with West Ham United.
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