Gerrard sets his sights on cup over Kop
GARY McALLISTER insists Jurgen Klopp has paid Steven Gerrard a huge compliment by naming the Rangers manager as his preferred successor at Liverpool. But the Ibrox No2 is adamant Gerrard’s sole focus is on delivering success in Glasgow as he aims for silverware during his second season in charge. Speaking to Four Four Two
magazine, Klopp outlined what he thinks should happen if the time comes for him to exit Anfield.
‘If Liverpool were to sack me tomorrow, then maybe Kenny (Dalglish) would be the first choice to replace me, but they would probably bring Stevie down from Glasgow,’ the Champions Leaguewinning coach said. ‘If you ask who should follow me, I’d say Stevie. I help him whenever I can.’
Although Klopp is highly unlikely to be leaving Liverpool any time soon, McAllister understands why there is a public expectation that Gerrard could one day return to Merseyside to manage.
The 39-year-old made 710 outings in midfield and had a spell as the Liverpool’s Under-18 coach before arriving at Ibrox last May.
McAllister, however, stresses just how committed Gerrard is to winning trophies at Rangers.
‘It’s a massive compliment but Steven is really focused and concentrated on his job here at Rangers,’ said McAllister when asked about Klopp’s words.
‘He really appreciates the fact Rangers took a chance on him as a young manager with little experience — and he’s got a job to do here, which is his full focus.
‘If you look at the run of results we’re on and the changes around Ibrox and the training ground, there are loads of things happening to elevate the club.’
Asked about the inevitability of Liverpool links, McAllister continued: ‘I think everybody sees it as a natural progression, purely because of his attachment to the club. He’s a proper, iconic Liverpool player, so everybody just sees it as the natural progression.
‘Rangers were brave in appointing him, but as soon as this job became available — and Steven mentioned he’d be interested — he jumped all over it.
‘He was very keen to get here because he knows what this club is like. It’s very similar to the club he played for throughout most of his career, but the talk today is all hypothetical.
‘I know how focused he is to try and win something here.’
Klopp has helped Gerrard by sending Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo on loan to Rangers during the past two seasons, but McAllister revealed the German also acts as an occasional sounding board.
‘I think there have been points throughout his time here when he’s known there’s somebody there like a comfort blanket,’ added McAllister. ‘That’s somebody with greater experience and somebody who is an actual winner.
‘You know, a lot of people say they’re winners, but he actually is one, having won at the highest level in the biggest competitions.
‘I would imagine the two of them get on well.’
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Betfred Cup quarter-final against Livingston, which Brandon Barker will miss with a toe injury, McAllister praised Gerrard for not seeking to rely on his legendary status as a player.
‘The thing that has impressed me is that he has not gone onto the training field with Steven Gerrard, number eight, on his back,’ he continued.
‘I think someone has imprinted that on his coaching head that he cannot rely on being Steven Gerrard, the midfielder. It has to be Steven Gerrard, the manager.’