Former Anfield ‘Exile’ Gets Huge Managerial Role

Not every Liverpool fan remembers the name Albert Riera. Those that do would rather forget. The Spanish midfielder was a Red for one full season and half of the following. His stay was marred by poor form and a lack of trophies.

Eventually, he moved on from Anfield and continued his career as a journeyman. Now Riera is set to become the head coach of FC Girondins de Bordeaux, a historied French club that is languishing in the second division.

Albert Riera the Next Ex-Liverpool Player to Get Coaching Role

‘Exiled‘ from Anfield for not being complacent with Rafa Benitez’s tactics, Riera left his stint as a Red with more questions than answers.

His first season at Anfield was not classified as a failure, however, he never reached his true potential. It is for that reason the midfielder is not viewed as a success with his former team.

Despite coaching several prominent Slovenian teams, the Spaniard immediately left his role to join the French outfit.

Six times the champions of France’s highest level of club football, Bordeaux also boasts a piece of European silverware in their trophy cabinet.

They could have secured promotion back to Ligue 1 if it were not for fan troubles that brought a harsh punishment.

This news, which offers Riera a chance to make a name for himself as a capable coach, was also reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spaniard is a former Bordeaux player himself, whose ties to the club helped with him landing the role.

It was his time in France that earned him a move to Spain where he reached a UEFA Cup (Europa League) Final with Espanyol.

Most of the Anfield faithful wish Riera the best in the French Football League System, but others have not forgotten the trouble that surrounded him years ago.

Unable to reach his highest potential as a player the Spaniard is getting his first taste of top-level coaching as the supporters of his new club demand an immediate return to the top flight.