“What a lot of nonsense!” - Liverpool legend slams ‘garbage’ training drill during pre-season under new boss Arne Slot

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has slammed what he has termed 'garbage,' after watching the Reds undergo training drills under new head coach Arne Slot. After nine years at the helm of Anfield, Jurgen Klopp resigned from his post, with the club appointing the Dutch coach as his successor.

However, Slot's training methods have not won hearts, if Nicol's reactions are anything to go by. The Dutch boss is working with goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte, who has brought in a unique approach to how the shot-stoppers at the club train.

The club's newly released YouTube video (via The Athletic) showed players undergoing pre-season training, but the goalkeepers were notably wearing goggles. The Athletic report revealed that the plan is to restrict the amount of sensory input they receive while training.

However, the method has not sat well with Liverpool legend Steve Nicol, who reacted angrily in a conversation with ESPN (via Rousing the Kop):

“That’s taking the mick, what a lot of nonsense! I know exactly what the suggestions 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? 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…”

His displeasure around the training methods will likely not stall Fabian Otte, who the Athletic reveals has written research papers on the subject matter and has a PhD.

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Liverpool prepared to sell 25-year-old goalkeeper

While Fabian Otte is rejuvenating how the Reds train their goalkeepers, Caoimhin Kelleher may not be at Anfield to continue under his tutelage for much longer. The 25-year-old shot-stopper is interested in making his mark as a first-team goalkeeper in another club, rather than play second fiddle again.

This comes after a season where he was seriously relied upon, with first-choice goalkeeper Allison Becker out injured. The Irishman made 10 appearances in the Premier League, six Carabao Cup appearances, two FA Cup, and eight appearances in the Europa League in the 2023-24 season.

Now, according to CaughtOffside (via Anfield index), Liverpool are not against Kelleher's exit from the club. They will be looking to offload him, alongside other players who have been deemed surplus to requirements at the club.