James Milner returns to Liverpool Academy as Robertson prepares for emotional Anfield homecoming

James Milner has returned to Liverpool’s Academy in Kirkby in an informal coaching role, just months after retiring from professional football at the age of 40, as the club also prepares to host former left-back Andy Robertson when Tottenham Hotspur visit Anfield in the Carabao Cup third round.

Milner, who spent eight years at Liverpool after joining from Manchester City in 2015, hung up his boots this summer following a spell with Brighton. He is currently working with the under-11s at the Academy and is expected to contribute across multiple age groups in the coming months. The arrangement is described as casual rather than a permanent staff appointment, with Milner using the role to accumulate experience as he works towards completing his UEFA Pro Licence, having already obtained his A Licence.

The three-time Premier League champion is no stranger to the Academy setup, having previously worked with youth players during his playing days at the club.

Robertson’s return carries its own emotional weight. The Scotland captain departed Anfield this summer after nine years that yielded eight major honours, including the Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. His exit came after Milos Kerkez displaced him in Arne Slot’s first-choice XI, though Kerkez himself was dropped for Liverpool’s 0-0 Premier League draw with Fulham on Saturday.

Robertson has settled quickly at Spurs, starting three of their four Premier League fixtures this season and emerging as one of the more consistent performers under Andoni Iraola. Tottenham arrive at Anfield having also drawn 0-0 at Everton on Saturday, extending a winless run in the league.

Liverpool will be looking to sharpen up after their own flat display against Fulham, where Iraola’s side failed to create meaningful chances despite fielding Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, and Florian Wirtz in attack. The Carabao Cup tie offers the manager an early opportunity to show intent in the domestic cup competitions.