Reds can get job done against Real: Gerrard
dubai — In a way it felt kind of really strange that Steven Gerrard will be seen in Liverpool colours for the last time this weekend. The decorated English legend is set to cut his teeth in management full-time with Scottish Premiership club Glasgow Rangers, two days after he turns 38.
Stranger things have happened and you never know, one of Liverpool’s most famous sons, could return to manage at Anfield in the future. For now though, Gerrard, the one-club man, a rarity in football these days, will be leaving his beloved club, with whom he made an astonishing 504 appearances across 17 years and was a part of the ‘Miracle of Istanbul.’
Before going though, Gerrard weighed in on Liverpool’s chances in the Uefa Champions League final against Real Madrid.
“I think we have got a really good chance,” Gerrard said on the sidelines of the LFC World Dubai 2018, in Dubai on Thursday.
Gerrard as well as fellow legends Steve McManaman and Gary McAllister were present. The three will be part of the LFC World Viewing Party at Barasti, Jumeirah Beach on Sunday for Liverpool’s last game of the English Premier League season against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Gerrard said that the form that they are currently in, Liverpool can go all the way and get the better of the Los Blancos.
“I wouldn’t say on current form, we are going into the game as underdogs. Although, I suppose, Jurgen and the boys will want to go as underdogs because it takes quite a bit of that pressure off.
“I think their present form and how they performed in the last two games against Roma, the form of the front three players (Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane), especially Mo (Mohamed) Salah, we go in with every confidence and the belief that we can get the job done,” he added.
Gerrard, who inspired one of the most famous comebacks in Champions League history when Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit at half-time to win against AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005, said that confidence and belief will take The Reds through.
“In 2005, when we were the underdogs,
i wouldn’t say on current form, we are going into the game as underdogs. although, i suppose, Jurgen and the boys will want to go as underdogs because it takes quite a bit of that pressure off Steven Gerrard
and rightly so, against a fantastic Milan side. If you go in with confidence and belief and you never give up, I have experienced that it can be done,” said Gerrard.
After 2005, Liverpool went on to finish runners-up to AC Milan in 2007. This year’s final will be held in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 26.
Meanwhile, Gerrard, who also has also coached Liverpool’s youth teams, also spoke about his new gig, managing the Glasgow Rangers next season, where he has been handed a four-year contract at the Ibrox.
“It has been a bit of a whilrwind for myself and Gary, really,” said Gerrard. Gary McAllister will be Gerrard’s assistant.
“Obviously, the opportunity came up for a managerial role in Scotland to lead Glasgow Rangers in the SPL. Obviously, a very exciting opportunity for myself, Gary and the rest of the staff that we will take with us.
“We are really looking forward to the challenge. It is big. It came very quickly since I started coaching work and it is one I’m really looking forward to,” he explained.
james@khaleejtimes.com