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The ex-Reds midfielder made Premier League history last weekend when he set the division’s outright record in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Brentford, drawing warm tributes from the likes of Andy Robertson and Jurgen Klopp.
He turned 40 last month but still plays in what is often described as the world’s premier domestic league, and such is his longevity that he is older than some managers/head coaches, including his current Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler.
Milner backs Lallana to become a future manager
In a quick quiz with SPORTS BibleMilner was asked which of his past or current teammates he thinks will go into management, and a former colleague at Liverpool immediately came to mind.
The Brighton midfielder replied: “Adam Lallana. He has really delved into his coaching. He hasn’t been around for very long, but he loves it, loves the game and has a lot of knowledge.”
Lallana has already built his own coaching career
Having played alongside Lallana for a total of five years (four at Liverpool, one at Brighton), Milner is well placed to assess the future managerial merits of the 37-year-old, who has indeed already dipped his toes into the realm of senior coaching.
At both the Amex Stadium and Southampton he has been assistant to interim coaches Andrew Crofts and Simon Rusk in recent years (while also part of Will Still’s backroom staff), and last month he was given full-time charge of the Saints’ under-21 side.
His first results in that role were mixed (one win, two draws, two defeats), but the former Reds midfielder already appears determined to carve out his own career as a senior manager in the coming years, provided he can get his big break at St Mary’s or elsewhere.
Could Milner also go that route when he eventually hangs up his boots? An anecdote from Klopp (via ESPN) about the 40-year enforcement rules he imposed within the Liverpool squad would indicate that the Brighton player possesses a natural authority and respect that could stand him in good stead should he opt for life in the dugout.
Perhaps we’ll see him and Lallana return to Anfield at a later stage as part of a future coaching ticket – or perhaps even as the main man in charge if they become successful managers in their own right.
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