Before the end of Liverpool’s season and the start of the postseason vacations, Fabinho, Joel Matip, and Diogo Jota all began their coaching badges.
Liverpool’s odd season came to an end on Sunday with a 4-4 draw with Southampton. Jurgen Klopp and many of his players subsequently left for overseas travel.
They won’t be expected back until July 8, providing everyone who isn’t on international duty plenty of time to rest up before preseason practices start.
Three senior players used the opportunity to work on their coaching badges before traveling to St. Mary’s; Fabinho, Matip, and Jota led sessions at the AXA Training Center.
The trio mentored students from The Robbie Fowler Academy, joining a group of academy standouts in pursuing their degrees.
James McConnell, Iwan Roberts, and Reece Trueman from the under-18s finished their UEFA B course, and Oscar Kelly, the goalie for the under-21s, obtained his Level 3 leadership certification.
Parts of the practice were also taught by former Accrington Stanley defender and Stephen Sama, who most recently played for Liverpool.
Of course, it is not uncommon for athletes to pursue their coaching certifications while still on the field; recent examples include James Milner, Adam Lallana, and Lucas Leiva.
However, it demonstrates initiative as they look farther than only their sporting careers.
Jota is still only 26 years old, while Fabinho and Matip will be 30 and 32, respectively, later this year.
Fabinho, Matip, and Jota are set to undertake sessions with Liverpool’s younger academy groups in the coming months, though it is unknown which level they are aiming for at this time.
