Matthew Johnson explores where Steven Gerrard would fit in if he ever returned to Liverpool.
Steven Gerrard, Liverpool legend and arguably the greatest player to wear the shirt is highly likely to return to the club when he hangs up his boots, but in what role is speculated and questioned.
Gerrard left Liverpool one year ago after making 710 appearances for the club, scoring 186 goals and winning several trophies. After leaving Merseyside, the Reds ex-captain joined American outfit, LA Galaxy and has no surprise made a positive impact on their club even at the age of 36. The Liverpool legend has already stated he could retire at the end of the current MLS season. Could a return to Merseyside be on the cards?
The former Liverpool man started his coaching badges at a later stage of his life having said he has regrets over not doing it sooner however is learning from punditry work and going to watch managers at football games in his free time. He has also said several times his ultimate aim after his playing career is to eventually manage Liverpool (leaving Jamie Carragher to pundit work!)
If Gerrard was offered to return to Liverpool after he hangs up his boots, what role could he take up? Jürgen Klopp brought in his own staff when he took over from Brendan Rodgers; Zeljiko Buvac as first team assistant coach and Peter Krawietz as second assistant coach which ultimately shows that Gerrard wouldn’t be given a high profile coaching role straight away.
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In terms of what role would best fit Gerrard it could seem very possible his first step could be helping out with the young players in the academy. What more inspiration does a young player need than advice and an arm around the shoulder by one of the greatest English players to grace the game.
It is quite clear to anyone who watched Steven Gerrard playing in his prime that he had every attribute in a world class midfielder and there is no doubt that the 36-year-old could teach young midfielders how to be in the right position, how to strike a ball and how to deliver a killer pass. Not only would it benefit their game, it would also give them extra motivation to perform knowing a footballing idol is watching them play.
However, if Gerrard was to be offered a coaching role around the first team, he and the team would also have a positive effect. There are several players in the current team who played with Steven Gerrard and have learnt from him. Most notably Jordan Henderson who improved a lot playing alongside Stevie. The former-England captain gave him confidence to get forward and express himself more.
Considering that the current Liverpool team is quite young, having someone like Gerrard on the training ground and in the changing room would be a massive lift in the players’ confidence; especially in the big games. This would also benefit Steven Gerrard; gaining first team coaching experience and learning from one of the best managers in Europe.
It is rather obvious that Gerrard would have a positive influence. Whether he was to take up a coaching role within the academy or first team. Regardless of what the future holds the club should try and seek some kind of agreement with the former club captain after he finishes his playing career in America. Gerrard has said many times he wants to return to Liverpool in some kind of capacity and eventually manage the club, therefore it could be seen as cold and harsh by the Liverpool owners if he wasn’t to be offered anything, especially considering what he gave to the club in his 17 years as a player.
It would also be a great viewing for the Anfield faithful to see their former club captain back at the club.