BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 2, 2016: Liverpool's manager Michael Beale during the Premier League International Cup match against FC Porto at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Michael Beale returns to Liverpool in new academy coaching role

Former Liverpool under-23s boss Michael Beale is to return to the club in a new role at the Reds’ academy.

Beale left the club at the end of last year, taking up a new role as assistant manager at Brazilian club Sao Paulo. But after parting ways there in July, he’s returned to Merseyside.

Beale has been a regular around the academy in recent weeks, and has now formalised his return with a role as ‘head of coaching for the foundation phase.’

The foundation phase covers the age groups from Under 6 to Under 9, a vital time for young players learning their technique before progressing to the older age groups.

Announcing the news, the former Chelsea coach said: “Skill development is an area that I am hugely passionate about and working with the youngest players gives you so much joy on a daily basis.

“The academy is a family and it feels great to be going “home” to work alongside both excellent people and coaches.”

Beale’s return further strengthens Liverpool’s impressive academy coaching ranks, with Steven Gerrard having taken over at the Under-18s in the summer and former Crewe academy head Neil Critchley stepping up to the Under-23s.

With the expansion of the Kirkby site to include the first-team training base, it’s an exciting time for the Reds’ academy.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments