Steven Gerrard poised to accept Academy role
Steven Gerrard is set to return to Anfield to join Liverpool’s Academy coaching staff having confirmed the end of his illustrious playing career.
Having formally announced his retirement, the former Liverpool and England captain is now understood to be close to accepting an opportunity to work within his old club’s youth ranks.
Gerrard is continuing his Uefa ‘A’ licence with the assistance of Liverpool’s staff. His decision to stop playing was taken as he considered a variety of offers and the lure of rejoining his boyhood team is expected to be too much to resist.
Shortly after Gerrard’s statement, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reaffirmed the club’s desire to reunite with one of their greatest servants.
The will has been there to find a role for Gerrard in some capacity since the day he left Anfield. Talks have been ongoing in an effort to define exactly what form it will take – although the 36 year-old has been a regular visitor to the club’s Academy where the process of inspiring the next generation of Liverpool players is already underway.
His decision to call time on his playing career signals his intention to start down an alternative path towards management.
“In the future I definitely have dreams and aspirations of having a go at management or assisting the manager and being back involved in the dressing room but I've got many, many years to do that,” said Gerrard in an interview on BT Sport, where he is working as a pundit.
“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be.”
Klopp has always been open to the possibility of Gerrard beginning his coaching career at Liverpool, although it will be under the guidance of Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe and Gerrard’s mentor Steve Heighway where he will get the immediate insight into a future as a coach.
“The door is always open for him. From our side if he wants to make a rich career after his (playing) career we want to help him,” said Klopp. “It is clear that one day in the future there will be something to announce.”
Klopp did issue some words of caution, however, fearing the inevitable scrutiny on Gerrard when he starts life as a coach can be a hindrance more than help.
The Liverpool manager noted the frenzy as fans and media await Gerrard’s next move – inevitable with such a high-profile player.
Source: Telegraph
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