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James Milner Back in Liverpool Colours as Reds Legend Takes First Steps into Coaching
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- James Milner Back in Liverpool Colours as Reds Legend Takes First Steps into Coaching
James Milner spent eight years setting standards inside Liverpool' s dressing room. Now, just months after calling time on a remarkable playing career, the former Reds vice-captain is back at Kirkby, only this time, his job is to pass those standards on.
Milner Returns To Kirkby
According to an exclusive report from This Is Anfield via X , Milner has been coaching at Liverpool 's AXA Training Centre as he begins gaining experience on the other side of the touchline.
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The 40-year-old was reportedly spotted wearing full Liverpool training gear while taking an Under-11s session. Crucially, he has not joined Liverpool's coaching staff permanently at this stage.
But few former players appear more naturally suited to coaching than Milner. The midfielder arrived at Anfield on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015 and was immediately made vice-captain. What followed was an eight-year spell in which reliability became his calling card.
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The Perfect Player
Midfield? No problem. Left-back? He spent virtually an entire season there. Need someone to protect a lead, take a penalty or drag standards upwards in training? Milner was invariably Jürgen Klopp's answer.
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He departed in 2023 having accumulated 332 Liverpool appearances, 26 goals and 45 assists, winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
His influence, however, stretched considerably further than statistics. Klopp once summed up his importance with five words: "Without Millie, it wouldn't have been possible."
Leaving Liverpool
After leaving Liverpool, Milner spent his final three seasons with Brighton before retiring earlier this year. He bowed out as the Premier League's record appearance-maker with 658 games, bringing an extraordinary 24-year top-flight career to an end.
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Now another chapter could be beginning. There is something fitting about Milner starting with Liverpool's Under-11s rather than immediately stepping into the glare of senior football.
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New Chapter?
Liverpool's academy places a major emphasis on individual development and delivering coaching in line with "The Liverpool Way" principles that feel particularly compatible with a player renowned for professionalism and selflessness.
Nothing suggests a permanent appointment is imminent. For now, this is about learning.
Yet Liverpool supporters know Milner better than most. If there is one man unlikely to approach coaching experience half-heartedly, it is him.
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The boots may finally be hung up, but Milner's Liverpool story might not be finished after all.
Would you like to see James Milner as a prominent figure in the backroom staff at Liverpool? Comment below.
