Liverpool takes on Manchester City this weekend at Anfield in the visitors' first game since the Premier League's guilty ruling against financial breaches
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) head coach Juergen Klopp of FC Liverpool, assistant coach Peter Krawietz of FC Liverpool, assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders of FC Liverpool, goalkeeper head coach John Achterberg of FC Liverpool look on prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp with coaches Peter Krawietz, Pep Lijnders and John Achterberg during their time at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool coach John Achterberg insists he isn’t surprised by Manchester City being found guilty, claiming he had always known the Reds’ rival had an “unfair advantage”.
Over three years on from receiving its 115 charges, City has been found guilty of all the charges against it related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, with the club accused of arranging “sham” contracts during a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018 following an independent commission’s review.
City and its owners maintain their innocence and have launched an appeal, but the club now faces calls for it to be stripped of its titles and expelled from the league.
During the period which came under investigation, Liverpool narrowly missed out on winning a first Premier League title since 1990 when Brendan Rodgers’ side finished just two points behind City in 2014.
The Reds would go on to finish just a point behind their rivals in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 campaigns under Jurgen Klopp. Achterberg served as the club’s goalkeeping coach under both managers, and has insisted he had always been suspicious of City.
“I wasn’t angry or surprised,” Achterberg told The Athletic about his reaction upon hearing of City’s verdict.
Liverpool finished second to Manchester City under Brendan Rodgers in 2014
Liverpool finished second to Manchester City under Brendan Rodgers in 2014
“It only confirmed what I already knew. Over all those years at Liverpool, it was clear that we were fighting against an opponent who had an unfair advantage.”
The Dutchman, who now works as Rodgers’ goalkeeping coach at Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, added: “You think about the memories and the successes that you were wrongly denied,”
“We won one Premier League title (in 2019/20), but it could have been four given that we missed out to City three times by such narrow margins. I know the charges only go up until 2018, but even if they kept to the rules from then on, breaking them for so long before 2018 put them in such a strong position to keep winning trophies.
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“Imagine how much more legendary that team Jurgen gradually built would be if they had got what they really deserved for the unbelievable football they played. We didn’t cheat; we did things by the book.
“Then you’ve got Brendan Rodgers’ legacy. How he’s regarded by Liverpool fans would be completely different if he had brought the league title back to Anfield in 2013/14. I also think of Steven Gerrard that season. He should have capped off an amazing career with a Premier League winners’ medal. It was the only one he was missing.”
No sanctions have yet been handed down to City, but Achterberg is in no doubt it should be forced to give up its titles - even if he doesn’t want to be handed them.
Actherberg feels Manchester City should have its titles stripped
Actherberg feels Manchester City should have its titles stripped
“It has to be severe, otherwise you’re basically saying to clubs you can break the rules, spend what you want, win titles and create history without repercussions,” he said.
“They should be relegated and fined; they should void their titles and leave them blank. If they reallocate them, I’d take it, but I don’t really see the point in them doing that. You’re never going to get back what was lost. It’s never going to mean as much. You can’t do a parade this long after.
“I read that Jurgen said he’s at peace with what he achieved at Liverpool and I know what he means. We had the best time ever. But it’s hard to take when you know that it could have been even better if City hadn’t broken the rules.”