Gerrard will need to win a trophy ‘for Anfield job’

MARK WALTERS believes Steven Gerrard first has to win something at Rangers before Liverpool would even consider him as their next manager. Since arriving at Ibrox in 2018, the Anfield icon has markedly improved the team’s fortunes in domestic and European football. But, for all the plaudits that have come his way, Gerrard has yet to take his side on to a winners’ podium. In no hurry to leave his post, the 39-year-old recently extended his contract until 2024 — coincidentally the same year that Jurgen Klopp’s deal on Merseyside expires. But Walters, who graced the

jerseys of both clubs, believes talk of Gerrard being a natural successor to the German will remain just that unless he quickly ends Rangers’ trophy drought. ‘First and foremost, he needs to prove himself at Rangers,’ stressed Walters. ‘That means winning trophies. He’s done brilliantly so far but you get judged by how many trophies you win there. ‘Obviously Klopp is managing the world champions at the moment, so I don’t see him leaving for now. ‘But, long-term, possibly (Gerrard could be his replacement). ‘Liverpool fans love Gerrard still to this day, so he’ll be a definite option whenever Klopp decides to leave. ‘I definitely think it would enhance his chances if he won something here. I don’t remember Liverpool getting a manager who’d never won a trophy. Nor do Rangers normally, frankly. So I think he’s got to win something first.’ Gerrard has taken Rangers to this season’s Betfred Cup final — the club’s first showpiece occasion since 2016 — and will see his side edge ahead in the Premiership title race if they win their game in hand.

Recalling his first encounter with the then teenage Gerrard around the time he broke into the Liverpool side, Walters felt, even then, that he was a manager in the making. ‘I’m not surprised that he’s done as well,’ he added. ‘I first met Steven funnily enough when he was at Lilleshall when he was a young lad. He’s always been a man who wanted to learn and do well.’