As Liverpool picked their next manager, the lens was focused on how some of their former players are doing in the world of coaching.
There was never a real suggestion that Liverpool would go down the Mikel Arteta route of hiring an old player to replace Jurgen Klopp.
Nevertheless, if they had chosen to, they would have had a number of options. Chief among them was perhaps Nuri Sahin, who’s brief spell at Anfield has given way to a promising coaching career.
Predictably, Steven Gerrard’s name was also mentioned, although the Liverpool legend now looks to have missed his opportunity, if there ever was one.
There would have been a couple of other possibilities for FSG, too. And they’ll no doubt be interested to hear that a notable former player has just had some success of his own.
Fernando Torres win Atletico Madrid double
With the revamping of the Liverpool coaching staff under Arne Slot, there remains a possibility that an old face will return this summer.
Slot has already filled a number of roles at the AXA Training Centre, but there’s a few more besides.
At one stage, it had looked a possibility that former striker Fernando Torres might be one of those being looked at for a position. The Spaniard shadowed Jurgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders at the training ground back in March.
That education was the latest step on a coaching path that has now brought him an eye-catching triumph.
Having been coach of Atletico Madrid’s U19 side since 2021, Torres is set to leave this summer. However, as per a post on the Atletico Madrid academy’s X profile on Sunday, he does so as a league and cup double-winner.
Torres’ team beat Real Betis 1-0 to secure the Copa de Campeones.
What next for Fernando Torres?
This is a not insignificant success for Torres. It certainly shows that the 40-year-old may have the chops for a career in management.
During his playing days, he perhaps was not one who stood out as a potential future coach.
However, Torres clearly thinks deeply about the game. Upon his return to Liverpool in March, the World Cup winner spoke glowingly about the work done by Lijnders especially.
Youth team football is obviously very different to senior football, but Torres has earned his stripes over three years with the Atletico academy. He’s ready to step up.
Fortunately for the Madrid side, he isn’t going far. It has already been confirmed that El Nino will take over Atletico’s B team in the third tier of Spanish football next season.
He’s certainly one to keep an eye on for future reference. Congrats, Nando!