Liverpool have released a touching statement following the news that their former coach and former Real Madrid star Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64
View 2 ImagesEx-Liverpool coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena has died at the age of 64(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have paid tribute to former Champions League winning coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena following his death at the age of 64.
A statement from the club on Monday morning read: “Liverpool FC is saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena. It was announced today that Ochotorena has died at the age of 64.
“Ochotorena spent three years at Anfield after arriving with Rafael Benitez – with whom he had worked at Valencia – at the start of the Spaniard’s tenure as manager in the summer of 2004.
“During his time with the Reds, the club won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup in 2006, and also reached another Champions League final in 2007. After leaving Liverpool, Ochotorena rejoined the staff at Valencia, which he combined with duties as goalkeeper coach for the Spain national team.
“He was part of the backroom staff during an unprecedented era of success that saw Spain lift back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.
“He left his position with Spain in 2021 but continued to work at Valencia, for whom he also made more than 100 appearances as a player after joining from first club Real Madridin 1988.
“Born in San Sebastian, Ochotorena came through the youth ranks at Real and was part of the senior squad between 1982 and 1988, winning three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups and one Copa de la Liga.
“During his playing career, Ochotorena was also a goalkeeper for Tenerife, Racing Santander and Logrones, and won one senior international cap with Spain. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Jose Manuel’s family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Jose Manuel Ochotorena, 1961-2025.”
View 2 ImagesOchotorena also worked alongside Gary Neville at Valencia(Image: Getty Images)
Away from his coaching career, Ochotorena also had a successful playing career. He was a product of the Real Madrid academy and eventually went on to represent Valencia, Tenerife and a host of lower-league sides in Spain.
He earned one cap for the Spanish national team in 1989 and was also named in the final squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The former goalkeeper eventually retired from playing in 1998 at the age of 37 and immediately turned his attention to coaching.