Fernando Torres is following the path of Xabi Alonso, and now a new job has been confirmed – Liverpool FC

Like former team-mate Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres wants to avoid any shortcuts to the top as a manager, as evidenced by the next step in his coaching career.

Alonso has become the most coveted manager in Europe this year as he oversaw a double-winning campaign at Bayer Leverkusen in which they lost only the Europa League final.

It came after a steady progression in his fledgling career on the touchline, which began in Real Madrid’s academy and then took charge of Real Sociedad B, before joining Leverkusen three years later.

He has turned down job offers along the way and has done so again this summer, including rejecting a move from Liverpool as he looks to maintain his pace.

Torres appears to have the same approach, with the former Liverpool striker confirmed in his new position on Tuesday.

Having spent the last three years coaching Atletico Madrid U19s, the 40-year-old has now been announced as manager of Atletico Madrid B, with previous coach Luis Tévenet joining Diego Simeone’s first team.

In three seasons in charge of Atlético’s U19s, Torres won the league twice and the Champions Cup once, achieving the double in a campaign that has gone down the drain.

But now he will be tested at a higher level, with Atletico B specifically designed to produce players for the first team.

“I am at home and I feel a huge responsibility because I have decided to face this new stage,” Torres told Atletico’s official website.

“Three years of constant learning have passed.

“For me, this step is very important and I want to be ambitious to do things better every day, to face the challenges that come with responsibility in the best way and at the same time knowing that I am not in a hurry and that there is no need to take the wrong step.

“I accept it as a big challenge with a lot of ambition and carefree knowing that we are ready.”

His words echo those of Alonso throughout his coaching career so far, and both are “in no rush” to reach the top.

That’s an admirable attitude, no doubt if Torres continues to follow the trajectory he’s on, he’ll eventually be offered elite jobs.

Perhaps that could come at Anfield, after following Jurgen Klopp at the end of March, explaining: “I’m trying to be a coach, let’s see if I can do it. But coaching for Liverpool is another thing, step by step.”