With Jurgen Klopp’s contract running out in 2023, and the German unlikely to extend his stay, Liverpool must begin laying the groundwork for his successor. The focus should be on the present and securing a top-four finish. But, a plan for the post-Klopp era should be underway at Liverpool with Steven Gerrard in mind.
Once Klopp departs, a gaping hole will be left at the club; a loose connection between the fans, the players and all those involved at Liverpool. The German will go down in the history books as one of the best to take to the Anfield technical area.
It’s almost like he was built to manage Liverpool to success. His pathway to his position resonated with the underdog spirit in the city. His passion and belief turned the greatest of doubters to believers and, in turn, supporters of champions for the first time in 30 years.
It will take someone with a similar passion for the club to take the reigns. A legend for a legend, if you will. And that is what Steven Gerrard is.
People will talk about the portfolio needed to manage at the top level, but when it comes to Liverpool Football Club, Gerrard is one of the most experienced- no matter the role.
Gerrard: The Perfect Man to Succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
2024: The Perfect Time for Both Gerrard and Liverpool to Reunite
By the time 2024 comes calling, Gerrard would have had six years in management at Rangers or, even, another club.
To put that into perspective, it took the Liverpool legend just three full seasons in Scotland to boot Celtic from their perch and send Neil Lennon running. His Rangers side, currently on course for an invincible season and a place in the Europa League last 16, have shown similar traits to that of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool with the added fire of Gerrard.
So, with his three years in management proving to be successful- as already highlighted- just imagine how good he’ll be with six years under his belt. It took him three years to do what several Rangers managers failed to do in the seven seasons before him.
He didn’t stand by and watch Neil Lennon and Celtic make it ten on the spin. Instead, he assembled a team both defensively astute and offensively dangerous. And, now, he looks set to officially dethrone the champions in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park with just seven points needed in three games.
It is not in his blood to stand back and watch as those label a task impossible. Liverpool know that. AC Milan and Istanbul are all too familiar with that trait- as are West Ham and Wembley. Now, Rangers have gladly welcomed it.
When the Liverpool job beckons in 2024, however, the likelihood is that we will see a man with unfinished business in the Premier League make a return.
Gerrard Holds Similar Tactical Traits to Klopp
After spending time as an academy manager at the beginning of his management journey, Gerrard would have learnt a thing or two from Klopp. The German aims to instil the same philosophy throughout every level to prepare players for the first team.
For that reason, Gerrard would have been asked to teach Klopp’s methods and the tactical awareness of Gegenpressing and the football that eventually led to Premier League success.
Now, years later, we are seeing Gerrard’s Rangers side take a similar approach. Using quick inside forwards like Ryan Kent– who once played for Liverpool- Rangers often press with an intensity close to Jurgen Klopp’s initial side.
On the ball, too, his side aims to break down the opposition from the wings- utilising the attacking capabilities of James Tavernier, who has an astonishing 17 goals and 15 assists from right-back this season. A fullback being the source of creativity is an idea all too familiar at Liverpool.
Potentially Entering a Transitional Period
Whoever takes over from Klopp will be entering a transitional period- that fact cannot be argued. As things stand, Mohamed Salah’s, Sadio Mane’s, Virgil van Dijk’s, Roberto Firmino’s, Fabinho’s and Jordan Henderson’s contracts are set to expire in 2023.
And, even if those contracts are extended, the mentioned players would have already reached and passed their prime. No matter what, some kind of rebuild will be needed.
That is when Gerrard’s portfolio will be questioned, too. Yet, many will be quick to dismiss the fact that Gerrard went through two or three transitional periods himself during his time at the club. He saw many fail when handed the task to take the club into a new era.
For that reason, he should know what needs to be done to transform the club and what to avoid.
Should he receive the opportunity in 2024 after Klopp at Liverpool, or perhaps earlier, it is one Gerrard will take. He has unfinished business in England, business he could not complete as a player. But, in the technical area, he could have the opportunity to put an end to some memories to forget.
Replacing Klopp’s love, passion and dedication for the club will be a difficult task, and a job only someone with a similar affection for the club can complete. And only one man matches the criteria.
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