Liverpool have released an emotional statement following the news that former manager and former Real Madrid star Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64.
Liverpool have paid tribute to former Champions League winning manager Jose Manuel Ochotorena, who has passed away at the age of 64.
On Monday morning, the club said in a statement: “Liverpool FC is saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena. Today we announced that Mr Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64.
“Ochotorena spent three years at Anfield, joining Rafael Benítez, who he had worked with at Valencia, as manager in the summer of 2004, when the Spanish managerial tenure began.
“During his time with the Reds, the club won the Champions League in 2005, the FA Cup in 2006 and also reached the Champions League final in 2007. After leaving Liverpool, Ochotorena returned to the staff at Valencia, combining this with his duties as goalkeeping coach for the Spanish national team.”
“He was part of the backroom staff during a period of unprecedented success for Spain, which saw them win back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010.
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“Although he retired from the Spanish national team in 2021, he continued to work for Valencia, making over 100 appearances as a player after joining from his first club Real Madrid in 1988.
“Born in San Sebastian, Ochotorena came through Real’s youth ranks and was part of the first team from 1982 to 1988, winning three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups and one Copa de La Liga.
“During his playing career, Ochotorena also played as a goalkeeper for Tenerife, Racing Santander and Logrones, earning one senior cap for Spain. The thoughts of all at Liverpool FC are with the family and friends of Jose Manuel at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jose Manuel Ochotorena. 1961 to 2025.”
Apart from his coaching career, Ochotorena also had a successful career as a player. He came through Real Madrid’s academy and eventually went on to represent Valencia, Tenerife and teams in Spain’s lower leagues.
He won one cap for the Spanish national team in 1989 and was included in the final squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The former goalkeeper eventually retired in 1998 at the age of 37 and quickly turned his attention to coaching.
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