Photo by LFC Foundation/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
There are plenty of former Liverpool players in management across Europe.
Everyone is aware of Steven Gerrard of course, who recently departed Saudi side Al-Ettifaq at the start of the year.
Currently without a managerial position, Gerrard’s coaching journey remains one of unfulfilled potential despite his early Scottish success.
Fernando Torres took charge of the Atlético Madrid B side ahead of the current campaign, placing him just one step away from first-team management at his boyhood club.
Dirk Kuyt has likewise been doing very well at Belgium side Beerschot having got them promoted to the First Division last season.
But our attention turns to a lesser-known Liverpool man in Albert Riera.
The Former Liverpool winger did not exactly enjoy the greatest spell at Anfield when he joined in 2008 from Spanish side Espanyol.
For Reds supporters, especially the younger ones, Riera is mainly forgotten.
During his two years with Liverpool the Spanish winger did not turn up any trees.
In 56 games with the Reds, Riera managed to record five goals and nine assists.
And he too is in a managment role that is going very well at present.
Ater a challenging chapter at Bordeaux in France’s Ligue 2, where he managed a 12th-place finish before the historic French club faced administrative relegation and bankruptcy, Riera joined Slovenia side NK Celje on July 29, 2024, signing a two-year contract.
Celje, who narrowly qualified in 21st position of the UEFA Conference League, were paired with Swiss club Lugano in the last-16 round.
After securing a 1-0 victory in Slovenia, Riera’s team faced a thrilling but chaotic away leg, losing 5-4.
The match remained tied after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout, which Celje won convincingly with a 3-1 scoreline
This historic victory propelled them into the quarterfinals, becoming the first Slovenian side to make it to the final eight of any European competition.
Riera’s men will face Fiorentina in the quarterfinals.
Now 42, the Spaniard has carved out an impressive coaching career primarily in Slovenia, where he has become one of the country’s most respected managers.
NK Celje becomes the first Slovenian team to ever reach a European competition quarterfinal!
What an achievement for Albert Riera’s boys! 🇸🇮🔥 pic.twitter.com/AKhSQUIydL
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) March 13, 2025
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