James Milner Returns to Liverpool as Fans Call for Bigger Role
James Milner has made his return to Liverpool following his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2025/26 season, but this time in a coaching capacity.
The former Liverpool midfielder ended an impressive 24-year playing career at the age of 40 after spending his final three seasons with Brighton, where he made 46 appearances across all competitions.
Although Milner had previously remained uncertain about whether coaching or management would be his next career path, he now appears to have taken his first steps into the profession.
Why Milner Is Back at Liverpool
According to reports from This Is Anfield, Milner was present at Liverpool’s Kirkby training centre on Saturday, the same day the Reds played out a goalless draw with Fulham at Anfield.
However, Milner was not involved with the senior squad. Instead, he reportedly took charge of an Under-11 training session as part of his efforts to gain practical coaching experience.
Milner had previously spent time observing Fabian Hurzeler and his coaching staff at Brighton while recovering from injury. He has also completed his UEFA A Licence, allowing him to coach at every level of English football.
If he eventually wants to manage at the highest levels, however, he would need to obtain the UEFA Pro Licence.
Milner has previously admitted that he is unsure about becoming a manager because of the pressure and short amount of time managers can sometimes get at clubs. Nevertheless, he has expressed a desire to eventually test himself in coaching.
He has also explained that Jurgen Klopp advised him not to rush into his next career immediately after retirement and instead take some time away from football before deciding what comes next.
Liverpool Fans Want Milner Involved With the First Team
News of Milner’s return to Liverpool in an age-group coaching role has quickly led to a common request from supporters: they want the former midfielder to have a role around the senior team as well.
Some fans even believe Liverpool’s decline last season might have been different had Milner still been around the club.
One supporter pointed to the timing of Liverpool’s struggles after Milner’s departure, while another suggested giving him a role similar to Jay Spearing, who has worked as a player-coach with Liverpool’s Under-21s.
Others highlighted the leadership, experience and knowledge Milner could bring to both the younger players and the first-team squad.
One fan even jokingly called for Milner to attend first-team training and remind the players of the standards expected when wearing the Liverpool shirt.
Liverpool underwent a major midfield rebuild after Milner left the club in 2023, but despite bringing in several new midfielders, some supporters feel his leadership and dressing-room experience were never truly replaced.
The club also chose not to directly replace Curtis Jones after his move to Inter Milan this summer. Liverpool even reportedly prevented James McConnell from leaving on loan to ensure he remained at Anfield.
At present, Liverpool have several midfield options, including James McConnell, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Trey Nyoni.
Wataru Endo is another option, although he has yet to feature for Liverpool this season and his exact role under Andoni Iraola remains uncertain.
For now, Milner’s return is focused on developing his coaching experience with the academy. But with Liverpool fans already calling for a bigger role, his next chapter at Anfield could become an interesting one.
