Whelan makes ‘big’ Liverpool claim after update on Gerrard succeeding Klopp
Steven Gerrard will have to take Aston Villa to the “next level” in order to seal a “fairy tale” move to Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp departs, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 41-year-old will have to show he is capable of delivering success at the Merseyside club.
Gerrard was confirmed as the new Aston Villa manager last week, signing a contract that expires in 2024 – the same year Jurgen Klopp is set to depart Liverpool.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Klopp played a big part in the appointment – with his tenure at Anfield thought to have had a bearing on the Englishman’s decision to take the Villa job.
Whelan commended Gerrard for “jumping into the cauldron” at Villa Park.
“He can only get that Liverpool job if he succeeds at Aston Villa,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If he doesn’t deliver that success, he won’t be in the hat – it’s as simple as that.
“You have to commend him for jumping straight into the cauldron in the Premier League. He could have stayed at Rangers and won the league this season, and possibly even a cup competition as well.
“He’s got to show that he can manage at the top level and display all the attributes a club like Liverpool will demand from you.
“He has to progress Aston Villa to the next level – I’m sure he knows that.
“The Liverpool job is another ball-game completely, it’s a big step up and Gerrard will have to show he is capable of challenging for silverware in that job.
“I hope it works out because everyone would love to see that fairy tale happen.
In other news, source issues major update on Liverpool pursuit of Champions League winger.