Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has backed Steven Gerrard to one day manage Liverpool.
The 34-year-old announced he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, and the man who appointed Gerrard as club captain in 2003 has backed him to become manager in the future.
He said: “I would not be surprised if we saw him become the boss at Anfield.
“That would be very good. He has always been good around the team – he is someone who likes to think about the team first.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he became a very successful manager one day.”
He added: “I think Stevie has done the right thing.
“He has a break from Liverpool and maybe he will get through his different qualifications outside training to become a manager.
“He’s a great leader, someone who inspires.
“He’s a kind-hearted, generous person. He’s a great personality and character.
“He was outstanding for Liverpool in terms of technique, speed and power. He had an excellent eye for a pass.
“He understood he had to live for his job and not use his job to live.
“He devoted his time and energy and diet for the job and that’s why he was world class. He made a lot of sacrifices. He had outstanding qualities, talent but he worked very hard on the back of that and that’s why he has been successful.
“It’s something Liverpool will miss.”
Steven must be the manager