Lawrenson delivers verdict on new Liverpool arrival, highlights one problem
By Matt Farr
Pundit Mark Lawrenson believes Steven Gerrard’s return to Liverpool is a win-win – but is worried it will prompt speculation he could one day manage the club.
The former Reds captain returned to his beloved club as an academy coach, in a deal that was announced by the club’s official website on Friday.
Gerrard spent 17 years at Anfield before moving to MLS outfit LA Galaxy 2015, but called time on his professional career in November following the expiry of his contract.
The 36-year-old is set to begin his new role as academy coach in February, and Lawrenson believes his presence will do wonders for the club’s youngsters.
He told BBC Radio 5LIve: “It’s a win win. Imagine those kids when he walks into the academy. Don’t tell me some of them won’t know who he is. They’ll know who he is.
“It’s great experience for him and the kids. Imagine him coming into training every morning and having a cup of coffee with people like Klopp and picking their brains.
“The only problem is they’ll all be saying ‘oh this might lead to him eventually managing the club.’ Everyone’s looking a little bit further forward but it’s a great appointment for both the club and for Steven.”
Former Reds team-mate Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, questioned the club’s decision not to have made the appointment two years’ ago ahead of his US switch.
Gerrard has been a central figure in the club’s history, having made 710 appearances, scored 186 goals and won 10 trophies during his illustrious career.
The Premier League title was the main accolade that did elude him during his career, but Liverpool’s triumph in the 2004-05 Champions League would have been a particular highlight.
Gerrard was also capped 114 times by England at international level, appearing at three World Cups and three European Championships.
In other Liverpool news, Stan Collymore has predicted a landslide victory for the Reds against Swansea.
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