Fernando Torres has been backed to one day manage Liverpool by former Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente, who says the Anfield legend is on course to become a great coach
Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres has been tipped to be a future Liverpool manager(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been tipped to make a return to Anfield as manager. A number of former Reds have been touted to become head coach in the future, namely Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard, during Arne Slot's struggles but Torres' name is the latest to be suggested,
The 42-year-old enjoyed a remarkable spell at Anfield during his playing days, netting 81 goals in 142 appearances before completing a £50m switch to Chelsea. The former Spain international has embarked on a managerial career, taking charge of both Atletico Madrid's under-19 and B team setups after hanging up his boots in 2019.
Former Tottenham Hotspur frontman Fernando Llorente has thrown his weight behind the idea of Torres one day taking the helm at Anfield.
Speaking to Hajper, he said: "Fernando Torres as Liverpool manager one day? Definitely.
"He's taken a different path to Cesc Fabregas, he has been patient and has preferred to start little by little with the youth team, gaining experience.
"I think Fernando will become a great coach because he had an incredible career, knows a lot about football and has surely been preparing for the right moment to make the jump."
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Llorente isn't the only Spaniard to have identified Torres as a future managerial force. Former Atletico coach Armando de la Morena was equally effusive in his praise of the ex-striker following his return to the Spanish club.
Speaking to Marca, he said: "A coach like Fernando, knowing his career a bit, as a player and always with the respect that he has acted, has the conditions to be a great coach.
"I know it from the players too, who tell me wonders about him, how he transmits, how he gives them the concepts. So what I see in him is that if everything is going the right way, then we have a future coach for Spanish football and for Atletico and hopefully for the national team as well. Whatever he wants.
"He spoke very well to you even when he was still a kid, 17, 18 years old. He is always respectable both on and off the field, for his manners and behaviour. After all, a coach has to be that. An example both outside and inside the field. And he meets those conditions."
Back in 2024, Torres was presented with the opportunity to observe Jurgen Klopp during his final campaign at the club. Nevertheless, Atletico officials grew concerned this arrangement could develop into a permanent switch and intervened by offering him a fresh position.
As things stand, it seems improbable that Torres will be assuming control at Anfield in the near future despite Liverpool's dismal campaign under Arne Slot.
The Dutchman is contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2027, while Anfield hierarchy have pledged their backing for the former Feyenoord manager rather than pursuing his departure.