Pep Lijnders is adamant that James Milner could ‘have his title’ as assistant manager for a speech he gave before the Champions League final.
Pep Lijnders is currently presenting his book ‘Intensity’ ahead of its release. We’ve had plenty of excerpts as a result but he’s also showing the book off in person.
That involved telling a story about James Milner this week from before the Champions League final. Lijnders says he was away from the dressing room dealing with UEFA officials that night only to return and witness Milner delivering a speech.
“Millie took the team together, all backroom staff – everybody there,” said Lijnders, per the Anfield Wrap. “I walk in and he says like ‘if you don’t have full commitment, if you don’t have full conviction, just think about what all these staff members are doing day by day to help you perform. That will give you the extra 2, 3% that we’ll need tonight’.
“He could have my title tomorrow, assistant manager.”
James Milner gives Champions League final speech
These are the reasons that Liverpool keep renewing Milner’s contract – and likely will continue to do so as long as he wants one. His experience, leadership and work-rate are all extraordinary, even when he’s out of the team.
It’s like having another assistant coach, in all truth. That’s something no one should undervalue and Liverpool have done an excellent job of finding such players.
Jordan Henderson is largely the same – there’s no secret explanation as to why they’re Jurgen Klopp’s captains. What they bring off the pitch is immeasurable.
Of course, Milner won’t stay as a player forever and there’s every chance that this is his final season with Liverpool. But it truly sounds as though a future as a coach is there if he wants it – even at Anfield.
Lijnders certainly seems to think so.
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