Steven Gerrard admits he was ‘flattered’ when Jurgen Klopp named him as a potential successor, but is hopeful the German sticks around for many years yet.
It seems inevitable that one day, club legend Gerrard, currently in charge at Rangers, will take the reins at Anfield.
And FIFA coach of the year Klopp suggested this week that he expected the former captain to be in the running when he departs.
But Gerrard seems happy to wait for that opportunity if it means Klopp staying put for another five or ten years.
“I was surprised and flattered at the same time,” was Gerrard’s response, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“But when you read the quote really carefully, like I have, it said, ‘if I get sacked tomorrow’ he thinks Steven Gerrard should be the next Liverpool manager.
“Jurgen Klopp’s not getting sacked tomorrow. I don’t want him to get sacked tomorrow. He’s doing a fantastic job.
“I’m a Liverpool fan. I’m sure every Liverpool fan on the planet endorses what I’m saying here. We want him to stay for many, many years and bring as much success to our club as possible.
“But yeah, it was very flattering at the same time.”
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer struggling badly at Manchester United and Frank Lampard’s eventual fate in the Chelsea dugout unclear, Liverpool will be keen to ensure Gerrard has all the necessary credentials before they consider offering him the job.
But let’s hope that a decision to be made in the distant future. Klopp is still in the process of building what could be a dynasty.