Sky Sports pundit and former teammate of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Redknapp, believes that the Rangers gaffer will be the man to replace Jurgen Klopp when he eventually leaves Anfield.
Speaking on The Lockdown Tactics podcast by Kris Boyd and Robert Snodgrass (via The Daily Record), Redknapp has praised the progress that Gerrard has made so far in his first foray into management.
So what has Redknapp said?
However, he didn’t always think he would chose the path that he has taken and when asked what he saw the Liverpool legend doing after retiring from playing, he said:
“I wasn’t sure if Stevie would go into management. It’s a bit like Frank Lampard.
“They’ve both had great careers, won everything, and I could see them just doing punditry, taking the easy option. But they have gone in at the sharp end.
“Stevie is in Scotland and doing well. Yet it’s not easy because Celtic are so strong.
“But Stevie has got it, you can see that. A few years at Rangers, and as long as he doesn’t make too many mistakes, it’s only a question of time before he manages Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp decides to go.”
So is Redknapp correct?
The early signs are that Gerrard has the hallmarks of being an accomplished manager, to build a team capable of getting to the latter stages of the Europa League from one that was an utter shambles is an achievement that shouldn’t be overlooked – his continental record is formidable.
Domestically, although he is yet to win a trophy, his side couldn’t have done much more in the first – and only – final of the year, only to be robbed by a refereeing decision.
There is also a tangible improvement in league form, a grudged acknowledgement of Celtic’s form has to be given, even the great Walter Smith wasn’t winning leagues with just two draws and two defeats – when the competition is on track for 100 points and 100 goals scored, it’s always going to be an uphill battle
Gerrard, as Redknapp says, went in “at the sharp end” and even if he does follow Klopp to Liverpool, he won’t face anywhere near the same pressure, expectancy or scrutiny, if he delivers title 55, there is every chance that Rangers fans will carry him on their shoulders – regardless of where he wants to go next.