Boss on Gerrard's U18s appointment: 'It's a win-win situation'

It was announced on Thursday that Gerrard will take over from Neil Critchley in the summer, with the current U18s coach moving up to manage Liverpool’s U23s side.

Gerrard, who returned to the club he represented with such distinction as a player as an Academy coach in February, revealed this week that Klopp had advised him that taking charge of the U18s would be a positive step in his development.

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And Liverpool’s first-team boss expressed his delight with Gerrard’s decision during his press conference to preview Monday's trip to Watford this afternoon.

“[It’s] the best news, actually. I really remember when we spoke for the first time about his future role in the club and asked him what he wants to do and what his idea is,” Klopp said.

“It was pretty clear quickly that he wants to be a manager in the future and that’s a fantastic thing. He has all he needs to be a good manager and if he gives himself the time to learn the job, because that’s what you have to do, then everything will be good in the end.

“Starting in a club like Liverpool as a U18 manager is a fantastic opportunity but, first of all, not all former world-class players are ready to do this and when I saw the excitement in his eyes, I was really happy about it, about giving him this opportunity. That’s a classic win-win situation.

“Now for the players, the youth players in the future and next few years, it’s a fantastic opportunity to work with someone like him because he not only has big experience, but if he says you need to be physically ready for the Premier League, who could know better than him?

“My door is always open, of course, and he knows that. Using his experience and his obviously readiness for learning and doing the right things, how I said it is the perfect situation and I am really looking forward to it.”