Steven Gerrard has reportedly agreed to take up a coaching role at the Liverpool youth academy. The Reds legend had set his eyes on management after retiring from the game in November, and this is the first step for him in that direction. Klopp and Gerrard have been in constant touch with each other ever since the charismatic German joined the club, and it is his enthusiasm that has convinced the legendary midfielder to come back to the club where he spent most of his illustrious playing career at.
According to various reports in England, the club legend will help play a part in shaping the future of young talents and his presence on the training ground will be a huge boost for the young kids training in the academy.
He had turned down further playing offers after an 18-month spell with L.A. Galaxy and instead chose to hang up his boots, giving himself more time to focus on management.
The former England skipper also rebuffed a managerial offer from League One side MK Dons to take up a more low-key role as a youth coach. It is reported that Klopp had advised him to stay out of the glare of the manager’s hot seat in the early stages of his coaching career and instead learn in a low-pressure, and familiar environment.
Gerrard is no stranger to the youth setup at Liverpool. He was a part of the successful academy that brought forward players like Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and current young prospect, 17-year-old Ben Woodburn, who became Liverpool's youngest goal scorer after scoring in their EFL Cup tie win against Leeds.
Having spent his formative years in Liverpool as a youngster under the guidance of experienced coaches and managers, Gerrard will know the system inside out and can seamlessly adapt to a new coaching role at the academy.
Liverpool supporters have been aching to see their legendary skipper back at the club ever since he left and Klopp has granted them their wish. Although it is still very early to say, the German's contract runs out in 2022 and should he choose not to extend it; there will be a suitable replacement for him lined up.
Gerrard has never won a Premier League title as a player, despite winning all other major tournaments with them, including a dramatic Champions League final victory in 2005. However, Reds fans will ardently hope that the title that eluded him as a player for so many years, may finally be in his grasp as a manager.
