Liverpool Manager’s Actions Disgust Me, Made Me Consider Quitting
Sander Westerveld will return to Anfield this weekend as part of a Liverpool legends side for an LFC Foundation charity match. The former Liverpool goalkeeper endured a stormy exit from the club in 2001.
Rise and role at Liverpool
Westerveld arrived at Liverpool in 1999 as a British record signing for a goalkeeper. He became the Reds’ first choice and made 103 appearances in two seasons.
The Netherlands international played 36 league matches in his debut year. In the following campaign he started 61 of 63 games across all competitions.
Success in 2001
Westerveld was part of a side that collected five trophies in 2001. The haul included the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.
Liverpool also secured the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup that year. Westerveld featured prominently in that run.
Falling out under Gerard Houllier
A high-profile error against Bolton early in 2001/02 shifted his standing with the manager. That mistake preceded urgent goalkeeper signings by the club.
Gerard Houllier brought in Jerzy Dudek and young Chris Kirkland soon after. Westerveld did not appear for Liverpool again after that point.
Public reaction and departure
Westerveld felt betrayed and publicly criticised his treatment by Houllier. He said the Liverpool Manager’s Actions Disgust Me and later added they Made Me Consider Quitting.
After talks with the club he was informed he would drop to third choice. He was omitted from Champions League travelling squads and sat out home matches.
Transfer and later career
The midfielder-turned-keeper left for Real Sociedad in December 2001 for £3.4m. The delay followed a transfer window closure and months of uncertainty.
He later spent several years in Spain. In 2005 he signed for Portsmouth and had a short-term loan at Everton that same season.
Final years and retirement
Westerveld continued his career in Spain, the Netherlands and Italy. He finished playing with Ajax Cape Town and retired in 2013.
Now aged 51, he returns to Merseyside for an alumni fixture. The match offers a chance to reflect on his Liverpool years and turbulent exit.
