Fernando Torres has been tipped to 'definitely' be a future Liverpool manager as the Reds icon builds his blossoming managerial career at Atletico Madrid
10:58, 23 Apr 2026
WIJDEWORMER - Atletico Madrid U19 coach Fernando Torres during the UEFA youth league Play-off match between AZ Alkmaar U19 and Atletico Madrid U19 at the AFAS training complex on February 7, 2024 in Wijdewormer, Netherlands. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | ED VAN DE POL (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
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Fernando Torres has been impressive as a coach at Atletico Madrid(Image: ANP, ANP via Getty Images)
Fernando Torres has been touted as a potential future Liverpool manager after his outstanding coaching work at Atletico Madrid. The 42-year-old experienced tremendous success with the Reds as a player and has been endorsed to return to Anfield in a managerial role.
Liverpool have endured a tough second season under Arne Slot, with the defending Premier League champions now concentrating on clinching Champions League football. Despite facing scrutiny this term, the manager is not expected to be dismissed by the club, with his deal running through to 2027.
Torres hung up his boots in 2019 before accepting a coaching position with Atletico's U19 setup two years afterwards. He spent time observing Jurgen Klopp during the German's farewell season at the Reds, several months prior to assuming control of Atletico B. Torres' former Spain team-mate Fernando Llorente has suggested it's simply a matter of time before he secures the Liverpool position.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Fernando Torres of Liverpool Legends celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with team mates Steven Gerrard and Nabil El Zhar during the LFC Foundation charity match between Liverpool FC Legends and AFC Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Fernando Torres has been backed to return to Liverpool as manager(Image: Clive Brunskill, Getty Images)
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"Fernando Torres as Liverpool manager one day? Definitely," he told Hajper. "He's taken a different path to [Como manager] 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."
Torres has shown remarkable tactical flexibility by utilising various formations throughout his early managerial career, including a fluid 5-3-2 system. This season, Torres has mainly favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation. Here, the Daily Star Sportlooks at how Liverpool's squad could line up under the former Red.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool
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Torres' experience as a youth coach could see Rio Ngumoha explode(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alisson Becker is still seen as the current No.1 at Anfield despite Giorgi Mamardashvili deputising for the Brazilian on multiple occasions. However, the Brazilian has been linked with a move to Juventus, with a verbal agreement reportedly reached, potentially seeing the Georgian take over for next season.
In defence, Torres has deployed a back five system and Jeremy Jacquet, who will arrive at Anfield having secured his lucrative move from Rennes during the January transfer window, could slot seamlessly into the new system. Virgil van Dijk would remain central to the Reds' defence with Ibrahima Konate making up the centre-back trio as he moves closer to signing a new contract.
Milos Kerkez is set to establish himself as the regular left-back as Andy Robertson prepares for his summer departure. Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong will be determined to secure the right-back spot as Connor Bradley continues his rehabilitation from injury. Under Torres' wing-back system, Kerkez and Frimpong's athleticism would thrive.
Looking into the midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai would make the perfect partnership and provide support for Florian Wirtz, who would relish the licence to flourish in a creative role coming in off the left flank. Liverpool could look to swoop for Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace who is well-versed in a two-man midfield under Oliver Glasner.
Mohamed Salah is poised to bid farewell to the Reds come summer and Liverpool are reportedly pursuing a blockbuster £87m swoop for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. At just 19, Torres would be the perfect man to mould the forward as Salah's replacement.
Down the left side, Torres could elevate Rio Ngumoha to regular senior football following his breakthrough this season but the 17-year-old will likely have to be patient. Alexander Isak is expected to lead Liverpool's frontline at the start of next term, giving the former Newcastle United hitman the chance to showcase his talents after Hugo Ekitike's injury blow. Nevertheless, Torres could return to his favoured 5-3-2 formation once both strikers are fit.
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Liverpool XI under Torres (5-2-2-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Diomande, Wirtz; Isak.