The Steven Gerrard conundrum has surfaced once again for Liverpool fans. Arguably Liverpool’s greatest player, Gerrard has decided to call time on his LA Galaxy career. The Reds’ longest-serving captain is now pondering his next steps in football. As a result of this announcement, some fans are buzzing at the prospect of their former skipper returning to Anfield. Scepticism as to what role he would play currently is also rife.
Possibilities
Gerrard has gone on record as saying that retirement is not a foregone conclusion. This statement by the 36-year-old has alerted clubs to the possibility of a short term playing deal. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are rumoured to be interested, as are Newcastle United with his other old boss Rafael Benitez at the helm.
Recent reports suggest that Gerrard has been in contact with Milton Keynes Dons over the vacant manager’s position at the club. The Dons lie 21st in League One at the moment, so there is risk of a relegation which would badly hurt his future career prospects. Gerrard is currently working for his UEFA “A” coaching licence, showing that he wants to continue in the game, but now he has a tough choice as to whether he wants to be thrown into the deep end.
Sentimentality
Jürgen Klopp understands Gerrard’s standing in Liverpool’s history. The German was quite comfortable having the former skipper train with his team last winter. Could a similar arrangement be on the cards? Would Klopp take a chance on registering Gerrard for the second half of the season, as a solid mentor and possible playing option if needed?
Of course Gerrard presently could not last the 90 minutes of counter-pressing that the current Liverpool team is renowned for. Injuries, suspensions and overseas absentees may force Liverpool into changes. All things considered, Gerrard could be a very potent option off the bench and on the coaching staff.
Bayern Munich Model
Bayern Munich have championed including former greats heavily in team affairs. This model has aided the club in building hegemony in the Bundesliga. Legends such as Karl- Heinz Rummenigge, Franz Beckenbauer, Ulrich Hoeneß and Jürgen Klinsmann have influenced the club both as players and later as coaches and staff.
Liverpool, in their dominant era, had a similar tradition of former players going into the famous “Boot Room” to influence team affairs after they stopped playing. Steven Gerrard could be the perfect catalyst to rejuvenate a new “Boot Room” mentality at Anfield.
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