Liverpool great Sammy Lee has backed a possible coaching return for James Milner, saying the newly retired midfielder would slot perfectly into Andoni Iraola’s staff at Anfield.
Milner ended his playing career this month after 24 seasons in the Premier League. Across eight years at Liverpool, he became one of the club’s most respected figures, winning six major trophies including the 2019 Champions League and the 2020 league title.
With Iraola now settling into the manager’s role and assembling his backroom team, several names have been linked — but Lee believes Milner’s experience, leadership and professionalism make him a standout option.
Milner’s Standards Could Lift Liverpool
Lee praised the former England international’s relentless work ethic, saying Milner always pushed teammates to maintain high standards and wasn’t afraid to challenge people in the pursuit of improvement — qualities Lee thinks would translate well to a coaching role.
He also credited Milner, alongside former captain Jordan Henderson, with helping build the winning mentality that defined Klopp’s most successful sides, maintaining the discipline and identity that underpinned Anfield’s success.
Lee argued that someone with Milner’s grasp of the club’s culture could help Iraola adapt while keeping those values intact.
A New Era Under Iraola
Iraola has signed a two-year deal and is expected to bring in trusted staff of his own, but Lee feels a respected former player like Milner could bridge the gap between Liverpool’s recent history and its future direction. Milner leaves the game as one of the Premier League’s most decorated and widely admired professionals.
On Slot’s Exit
Lee also addressed Arne Slot’s departure, admitting he was sad to see him go but acknowledging Liverpool’s form had dropped off sharply, with the team drifting from the standards fans expect. He’d hoped Slot might get more time, but conceded the results made the club’s decision hard to dispute.
Would Milner Return?
With Milner now embarking on the next stage of his career, talk of an Anfield return in a coaching capacity seems likely to grow. Many fans would welcome it — whether Iraola agrees remains to be seen, but Lee’s view is unmistakable.
