Former Liverpool coach who played a key role in the club’s Champions League triumph has passed away at the age of 64, with the Reds paying tribute to him.

Liverpool have paid tribute to former goalkeeping coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena, who has passed away at the age of 64.

In an official statement released on Monday, the club said:

> “Liverpool FC is deeply 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 joined Rafael Benítez’s backroom staff at Anfield in 2004, having previously worked with him at Valencia. During his three years with Liverpool, he helped the team secure the Champions League title in 2005, the FA Cup in 2006, and reach another Champions League final in 2007.

After leaving Liverpool, he returned to Valencia while also taking on duties as goalkeeper coach for the Spain national team. He was part of the coaching setup during an extraordinary period of dominance in which Spain won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012.

Ochotorena stepped down from his national team role in 2021 but continued working at Valencia. As a player, he came through the Real Madrid academy and made over 100 appearances for Valencia after joining in 1988. His playing career also included spells with Tenerife, Racing Santander, and Logroñés, along with one international cap for Spain in 1989.

Born in San Sebastián, Ochotorena’s career saw him collect three La Liga titles, two UEFA Cups, and a Copa de la Liga with Real Madrid. He retired from playing in 1998 before moving into coaching.

Liverpool concluded their statement by expressing their condolences:

> “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.”