Steven Gerrard has been and forever will be one of the most prolific players and leaders that Liverpool Football Club can pride itself on. But, as the saying goes, never look for happiness where you once lost it.
Gerrard’s leadership and loyalty are unparalleled, unquestionable, and irreplaceable.
About 18 months ago, he made us realise that his goals are not the only thing that could leads his fans into a frenzy, as called time on his career at England’s most decorated football club.
There were myriad feelings on the day he announced he was going to leave: some looked at it as serendipity, some needed CPR, however the majority of the fans sunk themselves in the melancholy pool.
But with rumours floating about that he is looking to return to the Premier League, with Liverpool apparently favourites to sign him, this would be a decision based on how much of a fan favourite he is, rather than how much he will contribute on the football pitch.
Gerrard is almost 37 and will most certainly be unable to play the intense ‘Gegenpress’ that Jurgen Klopp advocates.
There is no doubt about his individual drive, talent, eye for the 40-yard pass, and top corner of the goal, but on the pitch, he will end up becoming a third wheel that could slow down counter attacks and lose out to pacey forwards with a late or mistimed tackle.
And who do you replace and where do you play Gerrard? Jordan Henderson is having a strong season, establishing himself as captain, while Georginio Wijnaldum has an immense work-rate and is known to score goals from midfield; the attacking players can’t be tampered with.
I am not opposed to having him at the club, just not as a player. The ship has sailed, and Liverpool have begun life after him – and how!
As a Liverpool fan, I would love to see Gerrard’s role evolve. Imagine he and Klopp on the sidelines together – will that be some heated but positive aggression!
It is time Gerrard imparts his experience and knowledge to the next generation of players, becoming possibly the best mentor for Liverpool’s current under 23s such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria, Harry Wilson and Ben Woodburn.
The club and the fans will forever be indebted to his contribution, but let us not look to reopen stories from the past, because if he does return in a jersey, we could see more of the 2013-14 slip-up than the 2005 Champions League victory.
His return as a coach would allow him to have another impact – and a lasting one at that – at Anfield Road.
Amrit
Roar Guru
Even without Gerrard Liverpool is soaring high in the table, they don't need him any more
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Steve, Fernando Torres wasn't frozen out by anyone. He basically downed tools once he saw the club sell Alonso one season, Mascherano the next, and then saw the manager that brought him to Anfield being replaced by Roy Hodgson. His half season before he left for Chelsea suggested as much, in that his only true performance of note was when he scored twice against Chelsea at Anfield - it was him putting himself on the shop window. Gerrard and Carragher were pillars for the club - and of course they had their cliques. They got on well with the likes of Alonso, Riise, Hamann and Reina who all put themselves as passionate clubmen. Players like Diao, Diouf, Dossena, Aquilani were marginalised because they didn't do enough to earn respect. Players like Rush and Dalglish also had similar cliques in their time - it's just how the club was run. Like I said before, I'm not certain if Gerrard returning is in the club's best interests. It should only happen if it is - but to draw a broad brush and say "Steven Gerrard is and always has been about whats best for Steven Gerrard" is a disservice to a player who gave everything for the club. He may not fit Jurgen Klopp's vision, in which he case he shouldn't return. But to downgrade anything he or Jamie Carragher did means that you essentially jettison the small bites of success the club have had in the last 15 years.
steve
Guest
As a Liverpool fan of many years, the last thing I want is for Gerrard to return in any capacity, playing or coaching wise. Steven Gerrard is and always has been about whats best for Steven Gerrard. Klopp certainly wont be ditching his long term assistants just so Steven Gerrard can take up a position alongside him in the technical area. I have never subscribed to the captain fantastic moniker so many Liverpool fans blindly followed as he, along with Jamie Carragher, have a long standing history of ostracising and freezing out teammates who wouldn't join in with their boys club, party boys mentality that they led. Fernando Torres being just one of many that were frozen out by Carragher and Gerrard. IMO, Gerrard returning to LFC in any official capacity will be detrimental to anything Klopp is trying to build, good player that he was.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
If they were to go down that way, I'd actually get Gerrard and Carragher together in the academy at Melwood. I feel they would have the potential to reignite the old Boot Room philosophy, only on a junior basis. The way football is developing, that may be a handy way for several youngsters to remain grounded in their development - Gerrard and Carragher would inspire instant respect, the same when Steve Heighway was in charge of youth development so many years ago. That approach may reap plenty of fruit for the senior team, but of course, that could also be a risk if any other club decide to flash wads of cash to impressionable youth.
Zubin Daver
Roar Pro
Thank you Vas. However, as I mentioned in the article, if Gerrard is given a role with the under-23s who have over idealized him and know his story it could work wonders for the future. Having successful ex-players moving into coaching roles can have a long term impact on the way the next generation develops. If he does return as a coach, he being one of the very few home grown personalities, will add a very different dimension to the way the players will train and create a connect with the club. So, having him return in a capacity of coach of the under-23s may not be a bad idea in my opinion. As for the first team, Klopp has to stay. No questions about that at all!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Hi Zubin, Well written, and agree with these sentiments. However, I'm going to be a little contrarian and say I'm not certain if Gerrard rejoining LFC on an official capacity (whether playing or coaching) is necessarily the best thing. I'd be happy if Stevie rejoined on a non-official capacity like Kenny Dalglish, because the fact is that Klopp is very set with his coaching staff team of Buvac and Krawietz. Someone of Gerrard's stature may serve as an unnecessary addition, and even potentially a distraction from what is currently occurring. This of course may be against Gerrard's interests, and no one would doubt his desire to come back. But is it in LFC's best interests? That is less certain. As far as this goes, LFC should tread lightly. Gerrard coming back should be on the basis of need for both parties, and not just be a tokenistic affair.
Zubin Daver
Roar Pro
Red Panther, I could not agree more with what you have to say. It would certainly be great for Liverpool to hold on to Jurgen Klopp for as long as they can. He has really transformed the club in the one year that he has been there. Improving the team morale, making Liverpool a preferred destination for players and bringing back the feeling of oneness between the players and the fans. Good things lie ahead!
Red Pather
Guest
I totally agree that Stevie is and forever will be a Legendary figure at our club but also that his playing ship has sailed as did another legend King Kenny's style of management did in his return. I would love Captain fantastic to manage us at some point but to be honest not for another 15 years if we can hold on to Mr. Klopp that long cause he is bringing us back into the big club picture with great passion great harmony and a great managerial presence and style. He has raised us from the doldrums and lifted us back to where teams fear us ......no not just fear us but FEAR US!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you always Stevie my captain forever but coaching role only for you now and even with that you need to be in the academy till you get some coaching and managerial experience.