Liverpool’s U18 boss from last season has headed north of the border to become manager at Rangers, and Jurgen Klopp has backed the move.
Gerrard didn’t play under the German first-team manager, having already departed for LA Galaxy before Klopp’s arrival, but it wasn’t long before they were working at the same club.
The former skipper returned to Liverpool midway through 16/17, coaching at the Academy, before taking up a role as U18 manager for last term.
That role included leading the Reds’ U19s in the UEFA Youth League and Klopp feels the experience will have seen Gerrard learn a lot.
Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com that Gerrard had a challenge ahead of him, but that he was capable of doing a good job.
“If Stevie thinks it’s the right moment then I’m sure it is the right moment. If he thinks he’s ready then he’s ready,” Klopp said.
“How I know it, Rangers are a big club in a little bit of a difficult moment still but a much better moment than a few years ago. It could be a really good fit, it could be nice, coming closer to Celtic.
“I’m pretty sure Celtic supporters don’t think, ‘Thank God, Steven Gerrard’. They think, ‘Wow, Steven Gerrard’. That can always be a sign.
“Stevie is one of the best midfielders ever. Now he wants to be a manager. He has the passion for football and the knowledge about football.
“All the rest is to learn; I’m sure he learned a lot in the last year.
“I’m really happy for him to have the opportunity.”
Gerrard has already returned to his former club to raid both playing and coaching personnel, with the likes of Michael Beale and Tom Culshaw heading north.
Ovie Ejaria also made a loan switch to Rangers for the forthcoming season, and speculation remains that any of Ryan Kent, Dominic Solanke or Pedro Chirivella could follow Ejaria to Ibrox.
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