Former Real Madrid goalkeeper and Liverpool coach passes away aged 64 - as current Reds star hails 'amazing person'

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper and Liverpool coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64.

The Spaniard, who was the Reds' goalkeeping coach during their victorious 2005 Champions League campaign, died on Sunday after a long battle with illness.

In a playing career spanning almost 20 years, Ochotorena won three league titles and two UEFA Cups with Real Madrid before becoming a legend at Valenica. He also earned one cap for the Spanish national team.

Described as an 'amazing person', the Spaniard went into coaching following his retirement. He spent years as a goalkeeping mentor at Valencia , including under Gary Neville in 2015, at Liverpool for three years during Benitez's reign and for Spain, helping his nation to two Euros wins and a World Cup.

Valencia hailed Ochotorena in a statement released following his passing.

'Valencia CF deeply regrets the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, a legend of our club and a leading figure in Spanish football,' it read.

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper and Liverpool goalkeeping coach Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away aged 64

The Spaniard enjoyed an almost 20-year playing career before becoming a legendary goalkeeping coach. At club level, he coached for Valencia, including under Gary Neville, and with Rafa Benitez during his time at Liverpool

Ochotorena was also Spain's goalkeeping coach for more than a decade, eventually relinquishing his role in 2021

'A legendary goalkeeper for Valencia FC, where he won the Zamora Trophy, he continued to build his legacy and leave an indelible mark as a goalkeeper coach. In this role, he also became European and world champion with the Spanish national team.

'Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you greatly.'

Ochotorena played a key part in convincing current Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to move to the Premier League.

The pair worked together at Valencia and, when he learned of the Reds' interest, Mamardashvili sought advice from the Spaniard.

'Ochotorena is an amazing person and an amazing coach,' the 'keeper said after confirming his move to Liverpool.

'Actually, he was one of the first who I talked to about Liverpool’s offer and he directly told me, "just sign the contract", because he knows how big a club Liverpool is, and I just want to tell him thank you.

'Thank you for everything and see you soon, Ochotorena.'

Mamardashvili paid tribute to the coach today, writing on Instagram:  'A person who had a huge impact on my career and my life has passed away.

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili paid tribute to his former goalkeeping coach with a touching post on Instagram

Ochotorena, who coached at Liverpool during their 2005 Champions League-winning campaign, played a huge part in convincing Mamardashvili to move to England

'Thank you for everything you taught me, for believing in me, and for helping me grow, not only as a footballer, but also as a person.

'Your legacy will live on forever in all of us who were fortunate enough to learn from you. Rest in peace, Ochoto.'

A statement released by Real Madrid read: 'Real Madrid C.F., its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club’s legendary goalkeepers.

'Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, teammates and all his loved ones, as well as to all the clubs he played for.

'Ochotorena defended the Real Madrid shirt for six seasons, from 1982 to 1988, during which time he won two UEFA Cups, three LaLiga titles and one Copa de la Liga.

'In addition to Real Madrid, he played for Valencia, Tenerife, Logrones and Racing de Santander. With Valencia, he won the Zamora Trophy in the 1989-1990 season.

'He was part of the Spanish national team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Ochotorena also had a distinguished career as a goalkeeping coach at clubs such as Valencia and Liverpool, as well as with the Spanish national team [2004-2021], with whom he won one World Cup and two European Championships.

'Jose Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at the age of 64. Real Madrid extends its condolences to all Madridistas. May he rest in peace.'

During his playing career, Ochotorena also played for Tenerife, Logrones, Racing Santander and finally Logrones before retiring in 1998.

His solitary appearance for Spain came in 1989.