James Milner has embarked on his coaching journey after hanging up his boots, returning to Liverpool to nurture young talent at the club’s academy while working toward his UEFA Pro License.
At 40, after concluding a remarkable 24-year playing career this summer, he was welcomed back by academy director Alex Inglethorpe to gain practical experience as he steps into coaching.
According to The Athletic, Milner will work alongside academy staff across various age groups rather than take permanent charge of a specific team.
He kicked off his new chapter at Liverpool’s Kirkby training center last weekend, starting with the Under-11s and working with other youth teams as he builds his coaching skills.
This move marks a homecoming for Milner, who enjoyed eight memorable years at Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, racking up 332 appearances in all competitions.
As a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, he played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019 and their long-awaited Premier League victory the next year, ending a 30-year title drought.
Milner also won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Anfield.
The former England international also played for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Milner had already gained some coaching exposure under Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton and previously spent time supporting Liverpool’s academy while still a player.
Liverpool have provided similar opportunities for former players moving into coaching, with Conor Coady working with the Under-21s alongside Rob Page, while former academy defender Tom Clayton recently became assistant manager of the Under-16s.
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