Fernando Torres could return to Liverpool as manager (Image: Getty)
Fernando Torres is attracting attention as a potential future Liverpool manager after his impressive career as a coach at Atlético Madrid. The 42-year-old was prolific for the Reds during his playing days and has been backed to return to Anfield. Liverpool have endured two difficult seasons under manager Arne Slott and the reigning champions are now focused on qualifying for the Champions League.
Torres has faced criticism this season, but the club is not expected to cut ties with Slott, who is currently under contract until 2027. Torres retired from football in 2019 and started coaching Atlético’s Under-19 team two years later. He briefly observed Jurgen Klopp in his final year in charge of the Reds, a few months before taking over as Atlético B manager. Torres’ former Spain international colleague Fernando Llorente believes it is only a matter of time before Torres becomes Liverpool manager.
“One day Fernando Torres will be the manager of Liverpool? Absolutely,” he told Hadipel. “He took a different path than[Como manager]Cesc Fabregas, preferring to be patient and start little by little in the youth teams to gain experience.
“I think Fernando will be a great manager because he has had a great career, has a lot of knowledge about football and has definitely prepared himself for the right moment to make the jump.”
Torres has demonstrated tactical adaptability by utilizing a variety of formations since his early days as manager, having previously won praise for introducing a fluid 5-3-2 system. Despite this, Torres has mainly adopted a 4-2-3-1 shape this season, and we wonder what Liverpool’s squad will look like if the former striker takes over this summer…
Alisson Becker will probably retain his role as first goalkeeper next season, even though Giorgi Mamadashvili has replaced him several times this season. Last month, the Reds triggered a clause extending the Brazilian shot-stopper’s contract for another season.
In defence, Jeremy Jacquet is expected to arrive at Anfield during the winter after his transfer from Rennes was confirmed. Given his coaching background at Atlético, Torres will welcome the opportunity to work with the talented 20-year-old.
Meanwhile, Jaquet’s arrival could limit Virgil van Dijk’s minutes, while Ibrahima Konate could form a partnership with his compatriot, with the France international currently negotiating a new contract. As Andy Robertson prepares to leave the club this summer, Milos Kerkes is poised to establish himself as a full-back left-back.
Fernando Torres is currently the manager of Atletico Madrid (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, Jeremy Frimpong will be looking to secure the right-back position as Conor Bradley continues his rehabilitation from injury. Moving into the engine room, Ryan Gravenbirch and Alexis Mac Allister were not up to last season’s standards, but this partnership formed the basis of Liverpool’s title-winning team under Slott.
Torres will be hoping the pair return to their best form and protect Florian Wirths, who can drift freely as a number 10. Liverpool are set to revamp their attacking line-up, with Mohamed Salah set to bid farewell to the Reds this summer.
It is virtually impossible to secure a comparable replacement, and having Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank would allow one of the team’s better performers to rotate with Wirtz up front, while providing defensive support for Frimpong up front.
Left-winger Torres will relish the opportunity to establish Rio Ngumoja as a first-team regular after his breakthrough. Alexander Isak will take over the reins of Liverpool’s attack at the start of next season, giving the former Newcastle United striker time to prove his qualities after Hugo Ekitike’s injury setback.
Still, Torres could be tempted to revert to a 5-3-2 system if both forwards are available.
Liverpool XI under Torres (4-2-3-1): Alisson. Frimpong, Konate, Jaquet, Kerkes. Graven Birch, Mac Allister. Szoboszlei, Wirtz, Ngmoha. Isaac.
