View 2 ImagesJurgen Klopp previously tipped Steven Gerrard to manager Liverpool in the future(Image: Liverpool FC)
Jurgen Klopp has already said that Steven Gerrard will ‘definitely’ become Liverpoolboss in the future, with the Reds icon now being told to brush up on his skills to ensure he is ready to replace Arne Slot.
German coach Klopp, now in a role away from the training pitch with Red Bull, has worked on the same pitches as Gerrard and faced off against him previously, too. And in 2021, when the legendary Reds captain returned in the dugout in charge of Aston Villa, Klopp gave his seal of approval to Gerrard taking the reigns at Anfield one day.
And those comments have resurfaced with Gerrard now tipped to take over an interim basis as pressure continues to build on Slot.
After arresting Liverpool’s alarming run of from with a win over West Ham on Sunday, the Dutchman appears to be safe for the moment. However, Gerrard’s former England team-mate Rio Ferdinand reckons he could soon be in the hotseat.
“I was in Qatar over the last few days with Steven Gerrard,” the Manchester United icon revealed on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, after attending the Qatar Grand Prix with his former England colleague.
“I was saying to him over some food the other day, ‘Listen, you need to sharpen your tools mate. Sharpen your tools, get them ready, because you could be going back in as interim boss’.
“There are so many games coming up that I was thinking I don’t see Slot getting through all of them in good enough condition, and I think the pressure from the terraces and the fan base might get too much and they might make a decision.
“In that climate, with someone like Steven Gerrard sitting there, a legend of the club – forget his tenures at different clubs.
View 2 ImagesRio Ferdinand thinks Gerrard could soon be tasked with replacing Arne Slot on an interim basis(Image: Getty Images)
“There’s a legend of the football club ready to come in and just steady the ship for them. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Steven Gerrard had gotten a call.”
Gerrard started his coaching career in Liverpool’s youth ranks before taking over at Rangers. The 45-year-old found success in Scotland, going unbeaten on his way to winning the title with Rangers. He was unable to find similar success with Aston Villa when Klopp’s comments were made. Gerrard has only coached Saudi side Al Ettifaq after departing the Midlands but has been unattached since January.
Speaking during his time at Villa, Klopp gave Gerrard a ringing endorsement when he was asked if the former midfielder was a potential candidate to succeed him in the future. “Oh yes I do, absolutely,” Klopp said. “The only thing is when is the right moment for that.
“I think that Stevie is doing really well and he’s very young from a manager’s point of view so it’s just when is the right moment for him to take the job. Yes, I believe it will definitely happen and good for everyone.”
