Goalkeeping at the highest level
Instructor: John Achterberg
Description:
During the Masterclass, participants will gain a unique insight into the sporting and mental development required to manage a goalkeeper at a world-class level – illustrated through the example of Alisson Becker. Key aspects of reaching and maintaining peak performance, as well as consistency of appearances, will be discussed – from the demanding competition of the Premier League to decisive matches such as the Champions League final.
John will also present the structure of a professional goalkeeping department at a top-level club (3 coaches, 6 goalkeepers) and share a practical approach to:
- planning training sessions and individual player development within a tight schedule,
- handling the challenges of limited training days and frequent travel,
- managing goalkeepers out on loan.
This Masterclass is designed for coaches who want to understand the standards and practices of working at the very highest level of football.
Speaker:
John Achterberg - UEFA GK Pro Diploma
John Achterberg is a coach with vast experience working at the highest level. From 2009 to 2024, he served as the goalkeeping coach for Liverpool’s first team, accumulating 763 matches with The Reds. He coached Alisson Becker, Simon Mignolet, and Pepe Reina among others. He was part of the staff when Liverpool won the Premier League title after a three-decade wait. His CV also includes a Champions League triumph.
As a player, he began his career at NAC Breda, then moved to PSV Eindhoven, and later to Tranmere Rovers. It was there, after retiring as a player, that he started his coaching career.
Instytut Ekspertyzy Sportowej 2025
