Quite a few Liverpool gamers from the Rafael Benitez period at Anfield have now gone into administration, with various levels of success amongst those that’ve adopted the Spaniard into the dugout.
Xabi Alonso is probably the standout after his undefeated home double-winning exploits with Bayer Leverkusen final season, whereas Dirk Kuyt gained promotion to the Belgian high flight with Beerschot this 12 months, though Steven Gerrard has are available for sturdy condemnation in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.
One other participant from the 2007 Champions League remaining squad who’s now a head coach is Craig Bellamy, who’s at the moment in his first senior managerial position in control of Wales.
The 45-year-old has had a superb begin to his reign, guiding his native nation to promotion to the highest tier of the UEFA Nations League after six video games unbeaten, with their place in League A secured after a 4-1 thrashing of Iceland on Tuesday evening.
Bellamy ‘exceeding expectations’ as Wales supervisor
Talking from the Cardiff Metropolis Stadium after that recreation, Sky Sports activities reporter Geraint Hughes provided his tackle the ex-Liverpool striker’s tenure with Wales thus far.
He stated: “It couldn’t have gone higher – his phrases, not mine. Six matches, three wins, three attracts, and in addition promotion to League A of the Nations League. That’s simply part of the journey he’s on and, by the admission of these within the FAW, he’s exceeding the expectations that had been set, which had been excessive.
“His final position is to get Wales to qualify for the World Cup in 2026, however it’s evident that there’s an identification of a mode of play that’s thrilling. He takes dangers at instances however that brings within the crowd, and it’s not the gamers who’ve purchased in but in addition the group.”
“It’s what comes subsequent that’s simply as vital. It’s a terrific begin, a very good begin, however it’s what occurs now. Bellamy has stated that he’ll go away and take a look at these matches, element by element by element, and take a look at the areas the place he could make Wales higher.
“He was employed by the FAW chief government and the board with one aim in thoughts – to qualify Wales for the World Cup in 2026 and, once they get there, to not exit within the group stage however to enter the knockout levels and make a splash on the worldwide stage.
“That’s what his job is now…They need to be there; that’s what he was employed for, however in the mean time in Wales, issues are wanting very, very rosy.”
World Cup qualification nicely inside attain for Bellamy
Having labored as Vincent Kompany’s assisant at each Anderlecht and Burnley, Bellamy had a quick interval as performing head coach at Turf Moor after the Belgian’s departure in Might, however he took the Wales job just a few days later and it’s unquestionably proving to be the fitting choice.
His ends in the Nations League haven’t solely secured promotion to the highest tier of that competitors, but in addition seen then ranked among the many second seeds for the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, through which topping the group earns an automated passage to the finals and second ensures a play-off berth.
It was most likely laborious to envisage him changing into a supervisor when, throughout his first stint as a Liverpool participant, he had an notorious run-in with John Arne Riise previous to a Champions League conflict towards Barcelona in 2007.
Nonetheless, Bellamy may hardly have wished for a greater begin to his Wales tenure after taking up from Rob Web page; and if he can get his nation to the World Cup in simply over 18 months’ time, he’ll little doubt be in demand amongst quite a few golf equipment and nations who’re looking out for a brand new head coach.
