Liverpool midfielder James Milner has revealed he is still unsure whether he wants to pursue a career in management due to the stressful nature of such a role.
The former England international signed a new one-year contract at Anfield last summer as he continues to be one of the most crucial members of Jurgen Klopp's dressing room.
But as the Reds' vice-captain edges towards his 37th birthday, many have urged Liverpool to retain Milner in some capacity as a coach once he decides to call time on his glittering playing career.
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However with Milner previously admitting that he would like to stay a player for as long as possible due to 'footballers being retired for a long time', it begs the question as to whether he will stay at Anfield beyond June 2023 or seek more regular playing time elsewhere and continue to add to his 600 Premier League appearances.
"I don't know, you try and help out where you can," said Milner during an interview with Prime Video Sport, when quizzed on a potential career in management. "I'm doing my badges, I've done quite a few sessions with the younger guys at the academy, which is good.
"It's easy, isn't it? It's football. You basically do it every day in training anyway, you help each other and talk about what's going on. But it's hard, isn't it? You see a manager come in, do well, get a new contract and get sacked six months later."
Voicing his suspicions on such a career, Milner added: "Do you want that stress? It's crazy and for me any manager needs at least a couple of years, to put in his ideas and get the players he wants, you're changing a culture and it takes time.
"But football is a business and if you're going down the wrong path, it changes quickly."
The ECHO understands that Milner rejected interest from fellow Premier League sides and even teams overseas to prolong his stay at Anfield during the summer. However, with Liverpool expected to add a string of midfielders to their ranks in the summer of 2023, it remains to be seen what the future has in store for the 36-year-old.
Speaking during the final months of his previous contract, Klopp revealed how he would like Milner to stay at the club for as long as possible.
“The level he [Milner] is at, physically, technically and in terms of personal desire and hunger for more, means he should play on for as long as that lasts," said the Reds boss in February 2022. "I hope it will be here and that is what I have told those at the club who take on these tasks."
Since making the Bosman transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2015, Milner has won seven trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League.
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