Former Liverpool players have had varying degrees of success in their managerial pursuits. One standout success story is Xabi Alonso, who opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen instead of taking the Liverpool job. His decision paid off as he guided the team to a league and cup double after an undefeated domestic season. Alonso’s achievement highlights his potential as a manager.
Nuri Sahin is another notable name on the list. He recently became the manager of Borussia Dortmund, stepping up from his role as assistant under previous boss Edin Terzic. Sahin has deep ties with Dortmund, having played there as a youth player and making 274 appearances for the club under Jurgen Klopp. In comparison, he only made 12 appearances for Liverpool. Sahin’s appointment demonstrates the trust Dortmund has in his abilities.
Steven Gerrard, another former Liverpool player, is currently in charge of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Despite finishing sixth last season, Gerrard signed an extension until 2027, indicating his commitment to the club. His experience as a player and his leadership qualities make him a valuable asset as a manager.
Dirk Kuyt achieved success by securing promotion for Beerschot to the Belgian Pro League for the 2024/25 season. Charlie Adam manages Fleetwood Town, a team that recently suffered relegation to League Two. Harry Kewell has taken on a managerial role in Japan. These former Liverpool players are making their mark in different leagues around the world.
Fernando Torres, who spent three years coaching Atletico Madrid U19s, has taken a step forward in his promising management career by becoming the manager of Atletico Madrid B. His progression shows that former players can successfully transition into coaching roles and climb the managerial ladder.
While some former Liverpool players are making strides in their managerial careers, others are still finding their footing. Steven Caulker, for example, is taking his first steps into management with Malaga City. On the other hand, some ex-Reds have recently left their positions and are currently out of work, including Robbie Fowler, Robbie Keane, Rigobert Song, Alberto Aquilani, Gregory Vignal, and Mauricio Pellegrino.
Additionally, there are former Liverpool players who are currently serving as assistants. Stewart Downing is with Leeds U21s, Nabil El Zhar is with Muaither SC, Paul Konchesky is at Colchester, and Christian Poulsen has been working with the Denmark national team since 2021. These former players are gaining valuable experience and honing their coaching skills in support roles.
One intriguing prospect is Craig Bellamy, who has been strongly linked with managerial positions at both Burnley and Wales. If Bellamy secures a managerial role, it will be interesting to see how he fares and whether he can add to the list of successful ex-Liverpool players turned managers.
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, it will be exciting to monitor the progress of these former Liverpool players and see who else joins the list of ex-Reds turned managers. Their journeys provide valuable insights into the potential career paths for professional footballers after their playing days are over.