A Liverpool figure is delighted to be back at the club after a 15-year hiatus at Anfield.
Arne Slot can embark on the new season with more than just optimism. Liverpool have absolutely smashed it out of the park in the transfer window thus far.
They’ve brought on board the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez – and may not be done there, with Alexander Isak edging closer to an Anfield move.
Now, it’s the task of the Liverpool coaching squad to whip them into shape. One of which, is a familiar face.
Xavi Valero is delighted to be back at Liverpool
After a whopping 15-year absence, goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero has returned to Liverpool. Valero originally spent three years at Anfield under Rafa Benitez before leaving in 2010.
Following his departure, he accompanied Benitez to Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, and Real Madrid. After that, Valero spent seven years working at West Ham, but has now made his way back to Liverpool.
“It’s amazing to be back,” he told Liverpool’s official website at the team hotel during the Hong Kong leg of the Reds’ pre-season tour.
“Joining Liverpool is something that I think you are lucky to do once in your lifetime, and to me it happened twice. So, it’s a double reason to be happy for me because I had fantastic years here in the past in my three seasons from 2007 until 2010.
“I always thought it was the most special experience I had as a coach and then I’ve been lucky enough to join again in a different moment of the club, but it still has the same essence and passion.
“It was special then and now it is again. I also have a personal bond with the city because I met my wife in Liverpool and my eldest daughter was born there so my happiest memories are in Liverpool, on both a personal and professional level.
“I have a special bond with the city and the club.”
What were Liverpool like when Xavi Valero left in 2010?
Well, Valero last left the club in absolute turmoil. Benitez left the club “by mutual consent” on 3 June 2010 after finishing 7th in the Premier League, but it only got worse for Liverpool.
Roy Hodgson took charge as Benitez departed, in what was one of the worst campaigns in the club’s recent history.
Javier Mascherano was sold to Barcelona, and Fernando Torres left for Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with Andy Carroll coming in.
Hodgson, of course, was sacked in January, with King Kenny Dalglish appointed instead. Things have all worked out since, haven’t they?
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