Albert Riera’s Rapid Rise: From Liverpool Midfielder to Promising Young Manager
Albert Riera is in his third managerial job in six months, but the former Liverpool midfielder has not changed clubs for a lack of success. Last week, Riera was confirmed as manager of Ligue 2 side Bordeaux, leaving Slovakian side NK Celje less than three months after he took over. His move to Celje only came after the mutual termination of his contract with Olimpija Ljubljana on May, meaning he has held three jobs in the space of six months.
But while he has swapped clubs with regularity, Riera is considered one of the most promising young managers in Europe due to his success so far. In fact, he left Celje top of the Slovenian PrvaLiga, having led Olimpija to a league and cup double in the same country last season.
The decision to join Bordeaux, a financially troubled club in the French second tier, could come as a surprise to onlookers. But the 41-year-old has explained that the lure of “home” proved too attractive, having previously left Bordeaux, where he spent two years as a player between 2003 and 2005, feeling unfulfilled.
“[As a] player, I had the feeling of not having given everything, it hurt me a little,” he told reporters last week. “I felt that one day I would have to return home… Today the team is not in a very good time, but the fear or pressure is when you don’t have a job. There is no better profession than a football player. They have to have fun.”
Nevertheless, leaving Celje after just 17 games in charge could be seen as a regrettable move from Riera, who paid tribute to the club on Twitter. “Thank you NK Celje, [for] how you treated me [the] last three months” he wrote. “Special mention to the players, you made my job easier. [The] numbers prove at this moment [you are] the one leading the table, who has more possession and passes more than the rest.”
Riera added: “But let’s go for the reason I’m here [at Bordeaux], to help this club to be at the place that deserves. A coach can’t promise points, wins or trophies…but I can promise that I will give my all.”
Bordeaux are currently 13th in Ligue 2, having won three, drawn three and lost four.
Albert Riera’s Early Career
Albert Riera began his career with Spanish side Espanyol in 2000, making over 100 appearances for the club before moving to French side Bordeaux in 2003. After two years with Bordeaux, Riera moved to Liverpool in 2008 and went on to make over 50 appearances for the club over two seasons.
In 2010, Riera moved back to Spain with Greek side Olympiakos before returning to Espanyol in 2012. He then moved to Watford in 2013 before ending his playing career with Indian side Mumbai City in 2015.
Albert Riera’s Managerial Career
Riera began his managerial career with Spanish side UE Olot in 2016 before moving to Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana in 2020. He led Olimpija to a league and cup double in the same season before moving to NK Celje in 2021.
Riera left Celje top of the Slovenian PrvaLiga after just 17 games in charge before joining Bordeaux last week. The 41-year-old has explained that the lure of “home” proved too attractive, having previously left Bordeaux feeling unfulfilled.
Bordeaux are currently 13th in Ligue 2, having won three, drawn three and lost four. Nevertheless, Riera has promised to give his all and help the club reach its potential.
Conclusion
Albert Riera is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most promising young managers. Despite swapping clubs with regularity, Riera has enjoyed success at every club he has managed so far and is now looking to help Bordeaux reach its potential. With his experience as both a player and manager, Riera is well-equipped to lead Bordeaux back to the top of French football.