Liverpool Under-21s head coach Barry Lewtas to leave the club after 12 years
Liverpool Under-21s head coach Barry Lewtas is leaving the club after 12 years of service.
Lewtas has aspirations of becoming a manager at senior level and believes the time is right to pursue 'a new adventure'.
He started off as under-12s coach at Liverpool before working his way up the ranks. He led the under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory in 2019 before taking over the under-21s in the summer of 2020.'Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now,' he told Liverpoolfc.com
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'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 21s.
'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.'
Liverpool FC can confirm Barry Lewtas is to step down from his role as head coach of Liverpool U21s.
Barry's influence has been felt throughout the Academy and he leaves with our very best wishes.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 6, 2025
Lewtas helped develop the likes of Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, James McConnell and Vitezslav Jaros, who all made the leap to the first team from academy level.
Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe added: '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.'
Lewtas' exit means Liverpool now need to recruit new head coaches for both the under-18s and under-21s. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson recently stepped down as under-18s boss after 10 years at the club.
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