'Stevie had his computer out, planning pre-season for the U18s'
Steven Gerrard's planning for his new role as Liverpool U18s manager is well under way – and did not pause when the legend joined the first team in Sydney last month.
The iconic former Reds captain will take charge of the youth side from the beginning of next season, having returned to the club as an Academy coach earlier this year.
Before assuming those duties, Gerrard was part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad for the 3-0 friendly victory over Sydney FC and played the first half at the ANZ Stadium.
It was a brief break from his preparations for the new job, however, and Jamie Carragher – who was also involved on the trip to Australia – has lifted the lid on the 37-year-old’s dedication to the cause.
“There’s no doubt he’s committed to it,” Carragher, who also revealed a potential move into coaching at Liverpool did not quite materialise before he left the club, told the Liverpool Echo.
“We were on our way to Australia and he had his computer out, planning his pre-season. He’s really keen to have a good go at it. It’s not like ‘I’m Steven Gerrard, I can do what I want’. He’s putting the real work in.”