Jürgen Klopp insists it is inevitable Steven Gerrard will manage Liverpool
over 3 years in The Irish Times
Jürgen Klopp believes it is inevitable that Steven Gerrard will manage Liverpool. The club’s former captain returns to Anfield with Aston Villa on Saturday and Klopp says Gerrard is destined for a future in the home dugout.
“Yes, absolutely,” Liverpool’s manager said. “The only thing is when is the right moment for that. I think it will definitely happen and that is good for everybody.”
Klopp is looking forward to Gerrard’s visit with a Villa team who have won three of their four games under their new manager.
“Wonderful story; I can imagine how his feelings are,” Klopp said. “Stevie is already an experienced coach and knows how to approach games but probably had no idea how to approach it when he steps in the stadium and dugout.
“It’s not easy for a world-class player to become an outstanding manager, but it’s possible and it looks like Stevie has all the skills you need. I’m really happy for him.”
Gerrard, who had a spell as a coach in Liverpool’s academy before taking the Rangers job, played down his return. “The noise is for other people to get excited about,” he said. “For me it’s about preparing the team in the best way I can to try and get a positive result for Aston Villa.
“Everyone in that stadium will know me well enough to know what I’m about and what I’m going to Anfield for. I’m going back to a club where I spent many years and it brings a smile to my face for a couple of reasons.
“One, I’ve got a good relationship with a lot of people at the club. I had a fantastic time there, a really good journey, I’m a local boy. It was the team I supported growing up and I will always support that team.
“But at the same time it brings a smile to my face because I’ve got the opportunity to go there and compete against a good team and a good manager and try to win the game. That’s my only focus.” – Guardian