Jose Manuel Ochotorena, former Liverpool coach and goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid, Valencia and Spain, has died aged 64 after a battle with cancer.
The Spaniard worked under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool and was part of the set-up which won the Champions League in 2005.
He also coached Valencia and Spain before he moved to Liverpool and returned to both roles after his stint on Merseyside.
Ochotorena won three La Liga titles as a player with Real Madrid, but it is with Valencia he is most associated, both as goalkeeper and coach.
A club statement on his death read: ‘Valencia CF deeply regrets the passing of Jose Manuel Ochotorena, a legend of our club and a leading figure in Spanish football.
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‘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.’
The Zamora Trophy is awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio over a season.
The iconic Spanish coach worked with current Reds goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili at Valencia and the Georgian had high praise for him.
‘Ochotorena is an amazing person and an amazing coach,’ said Mamardashvili.
‘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.’
Mamardashvili wrote on Instagram on Monday morning: ‘A person who had a huge impact on my career and my life is gone.
‘Thank you for everything you taught me, for trusting me and for helping me grow, not only as a football player but as a person.
Your legacy will live on forever in all of us who were lucky enough to learn from you.
‘Rest in peace Ochoto 💔🕊️’
Ochotorena worked with numerous world class goalkeepers for clubs and country and was part of the incredibly successful Spain set-up which won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the 2010 World Cup glory.
Andres Palop, who worked with Ochotorena at Valencia and went on to become a Sevilla legend, wrote on X: ‘I will never forget you, José Manuel Ochotorena. Without you, nothing would have been possible. Rest in Peace, Friend🤍🖤’
Real Madrid statement
‘Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of José Manuel Ochotorena, one of our club’s legendary goalkeepers.
‘Real Madrid extends its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates and all his loved ones, as well as to all clubs where he played.
‘Ochotorena wore the Real Madrid jersey for 6 seasons, from 1982 until 1988, during which time he won 2 UEFA Cups, 3 LaLiga titles and 1 Copa de la Liga.
‘As well as his time at Real Madrid, he played for Valencia, Tenerife, Logroñés and Racing de Santander. While at Valencia, he won the Zamora Trophy in the 1989-1990 campaign.
‘He was also part of the Spanish National Team at the Italia 1990 World Cup.
‘Ochotorena later enjoyed a successful spell as a goalkeeper coach, at clubs including Valencia and Liverpool, as well as for the Spanish National Team (2004-2021), when he won 1 World Cup and 2 European Cups.
‘José Manuel Ochotorena has passed away at 64 years of age. Real Madrid extends its condolences to all madridismo. May he rest in peace.’