ASSASSIN S
Milner’s a manager in making Behind the big has earned Kop mastermind respect smile there lurks a
JAMES MILNER has claimed it would be a waste of his experience if he didn’t go into coaching or management.
But the versatile Liverpool star admits he’s still not convinced that the dugout is the place for him – not after watching new gaffers dumped without being given a chance.
“Some days I’m 100 per cent yes and some days
100 per cent no,” the 34-year-old said.
“It’s obviously great when you see what our manager has done at Liverpool – then it’s yes.
“Then you see other managers who get two months, lose a few games, and then they are out.
“We all know how long it takes to build a team but you don’t get the time.”
Milner plans to play on as long as he can after winning three Premier League titles – two with Manchester City and the latest with Liverpool. But one day he knows he will have to call it quits
“I think it would be a waste to move out of football given how lucky I have been – the people I have worked with, the players I have played with, and the knowledge I have been able to gain,” he said.
“If you’re doing the badges you have to make sure not to take your eye off being a player because you are a long time retired.
“I would never want to allow thinking about being a coach to detract from anything I am doing on the pitch.
“I am at a great football club and work with some good people – and hopefully I have a few more years to go yet.
“I just want to go as long as I can. Liverpool is a special club to be at and I just want to play as big a part as I can on or off the field.”
BEHIND Jurgen Klopp’s joker’s mask lies a man of steel.
The German master of Anfield might like a laugh when the camera lenses zoom in on him – but don’t be fooled.
Former Liverpool wing-man Mark Walters has seen and heard enough during the past five years of Klopp’s reign to know that the happy-clappy boss who parades in front of the press has an edge once the dressing-room doors are closed.
Walters played under Graeme Souness (below) and says Klopp can be equally as tough – especially if someone messes up with the Reds’ team spirit.
He said: “Jurgen Klopp comes across as very jovial, a bit of a joker.
“He’s very amiable and personable – that’s his public face.
“But he’s deadly serious about his football. He knows his stuff.
“When he first joined – and Liverpool were losing – of course, they were winning too – but when they were losing he used it as a learning experience.
Discipline
‘Wingin’ it’ by Mark Walters is out now.
To order or for further details go to: www. pitchpublishing.co.uk