Stevie’s fair Kop as boss
Stephane Henchoz says Steven Gerrard’s heroics at Rangers have proved he is a world-class manager who will take charge of Liverpool in the near future.
Henchoz , who ha s just been axed as boss of Neuchatel Xamax in his homeland, is a huge admirer of hs former Kop team-mate.
The Swiss said: “I played with some great players at Liverpool – Jari Litmanen, Nicol a s Anelka , Gar y McAllister, Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2001.
“But Stevie was the best and he could play brilliantly in any position. He was world-class and I realised that after just two training sessions with him at Liverpool!
“He was only a teenager then but also a natural leader, not only through what he said but more through what he did on the pitch. I think he will
become a world- class manager too.
“I follow Stevie’s progress at Rangers closely and I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the near future, he manages a top club like Liverpool.”
Henchoz insists it’s all too easy to dismiss winning trophies in Scotland.
He said: “I played at Celtic for a short spell so I know how big the Old Firm clubs are.
“It might not be the best league in the world but there is huge pressure that comes with managing Rangers, so it wasn’t an easy option for Stevie to go there.
“He has proved he can cope with the pressure and has been able to develop young players as well. So I think it’s the ideal preparation for maybe managing a top club in England.
“He’s doing a tremendous job and is going to win the league this season.
“Stev ie wi l l manage Liverpool one day, for sure – and I would be willing to bet on that.
“Stevie and I still speak and he asked me for some advice about the Swiss lad, Cedric Itten, who he signed.”