Liverpool players are getting used to some new methods of training after Arne Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds’ had likely got very comfortable with Klopp’s training, with the German in charge of sessions for almost a decade.
Klopp wasn’t usually the main voice at the AXA Training Centre, though, he often left the more hands-on coaching to assistant Pep Lijnders. Meanwhile, other members of the Liverpool coaching team chipped in, too.
Things have changed a little this summer, with Slot very much a head coach, not a manager. Along with number two Sipke Hulshoff, the Dutchman is the man who decides what his Liverpool squad do in training.
Aside from those two, there are other, specialist, coaches at Anfield, too. One to have been brought in as part of the new-look team this summer is goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte.
Steve Nicol slams ‘garbage’ training drill
Otte looks like a very interesting appointment from Liverpool. At just 33, the German is even younger than former third choice goalie Adrian.
With Adrian gone though and Alisson Becker still away, Otte is currently working with some of the Liverpool academy goalkeepers, as well as Caoimhin Kelleher.
Otte has come with a reputation of being unique in his approach and that has already bore out during his early days with the Reds.
There has been a fair bit of noise this week about one of the coach’s methods. As per The Athletic, Otte has had Liverpool’s young goalies training whilst wearing goggles which are designed to limit peripheral vision.
It is an interesting method which is claimed to based around trying to ‘improve players’ reactions, hand-eye coordination and technical skills by restricting the amount of sensory input they receive during a specific session.’
READ MORE: Arne Slot explains why he’s already happy with new goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte
Not everyone is having it, though. Asked about the cutting edge nature of the training on ESPN FC, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol called it ‘garbage,’ ‘nonsense’ and accused those involved of ‘taking the mick.’
“That’s taking the mick, what a lot of nonsense!” roared Nicol. “I know exactly what the suggestion is and why they’re doing it, but it’s garbage.
“Why don’t you do it with the players then, why just the goalies if it’s so great. Why don’t all the players do it as well?” the former right-back asks. “What a lot of nonsense.
“When they do the shooting drills, will the goalies still have the glasses on? How stupid is that! A lot of nonsense, absolute garbage, I’m sorry. I’ve seen some stuff but…”
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It will be down to personal taste whether or not people agree or disagree with Nicol. In fairness to the 62-year-old, he has over 10 years management experience himself, so has spent his fair share of time on the training pitch.
What you have to say is that the proof will be in the pudding, as it always is in relation to new training exercises.
We’d perhaps prefer Otte to keep things simple and keep a department which has excelled prior to his arrival ticking along. But new ideas are always appreciated, too.
What is clear for Otte is that he is taking over a group that could look very different than under his predecessor John Achterberg.
Caoimhin Kelleher looks likely to leave Liverpool, following Adrian, meaning the Reds will have a new second and third-choice this season. With these changes being implemented, maybe that will suit Otte just fine.
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