Liverpool have announced the departure of their highly influential Under-21s coach Barry Lewtas after 12 years at the club.
Lewtas, who started as a Under-12 coach before rising up the ranks, believes it is time to for a ‘new adventure’ and has hopes of becoming a senior manager.
The 44-year-old managed the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott during his time at Melwood, first under Brendan Rogers before Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
He coached the Under-15/16s before two seasons with the Under-18s, who he led to FA Youth Cup victory in 2019.
For the past five seasons he has remained in charge of Liverpool’s Under-21 side, while also coaching the Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League.
While the Reds romped to Premier League victory last season, they did so while providing homegrown academy players with the most minutes out of any club.
Liverpool have announced the departure of highly influential Under-21s coach Barry Lewtas
Lewtas believes it is time for a ‘new adventure’ and has hopes of becoming a senior manager
Lewtas spent two seasons with the Under-18s, who he led to FA Youth Cup victory in 2019
Lewtas’ departure comes just days after assistant boss John Heitinga announced he had agreed to become manager of Ajax and represents a major reshuffle behind the scenes at Anfield.
The former Everton defender arrived at Liverpool last summer and served as Slot’s No 2 throughout their victorious Premier League winning campaign.
Meanwhile, Lewtas also helped developed Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, James McConnell, Vitezslav Jaros and Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams who have all featured in Liverpool’s first team.
‘Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now,’ said Lewtas.
‘Of course, I’m sad to be moving on but I also have 12 wonderful years to look back on, including the last five with the U21s. Seeing young players make that next step to the LFC first team or moving on to success elsewhere is hugely satisfying.
‘I want to give a massive thanks to all the staff I’ve worked with throughout the age groups, to all the players who have been part of those teams and also to their parents, who are often forgotten about but play such a vital role in making sure their sons can reach their full potential.
‘Everything I’ve ever done has been about the team and they have all helped make the journey as special as it has been. Now I’m looking forward to being a fan from afar and full of energy and excitement for what comes next.’
Curtis Jones, who won the Premier League last season, was one player that Lewtas coached
Harvey Elliott joined Liverpool’s youth set up from Fulham and was coached by Barry Lewtas
Lewtas’ departure comes just days after Slot’s assistant Heitinga revealed he was joining Ajax
Liverpool’s academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: ‘Barry’s influence has been felt at so many age groups in the Academy and he leaves with our very best wishes.
‘Player development is at the forefront of our role and many young players owe him a debt of gratitude for helping them towards first-team football both here at LFC and of course elsewhere in the pyramid.
‘His spell with the U18s brought the club a fourth FA Youth Cup victory in a memorable night in Manchester, while his stewardship of the U21s over the last five years has seen a number of players make their LFC first-team debuts.
‘I’d like to thank Barry for everything he has contributed to life at the Academy, both on and off the pitch, and I know everyone at the club will wish him well in his exciting journey to come.’
