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Football

13th Apr 2017

Jurgen Klopp confirms Steven Gerrard to take managerial role at Liverpool

Teenage kicks

Mikey Stafford

Yet another step on a journey that many believe will end with the former captain in Jurgen Klopp’s office.

For now, of course, the German is not threatened by Steven Gerrard’s fledgling managerial career, so he was happy on Thursday afternoon to confirm that the retired midfielder will be taking the reins of one of Liverpool’s underage teams next season – believed to be the Under-18s.

Gerrard returned to his boyhood club earlier this year, taking a role with the academy.

At the time the former England international spoke about his return being more than a nostalgia trip or a cushy job for life.

“It feels like completing the circle; returning to the place where professionally it all began. However, this isn’t a decision based on emotion – it’s about what I can offer and contribute to Liverpool,” Gerrard said.

Since then he has been working under Alex Inglethorpe in the Kirkby Academy and, Klopp confirmed, he is now going to step up and take control of one of their teams.

“There’s no announcement to do at this moment.. but what I can say is… yes,” said Klopp when asked about Gerrard’s role.

“He is doing a real job at the academy at the moment. He enjoys it a lot. Yes he will be a coach of the youth next season. I’m pretty sure. But we will tell you exactly which team when we want to tell…”

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