Liverpool U18 coach Steven Gerrard admits manager Jurgen Klopp convinced him about taking a youth coaching job this season.
Gerrard turned down the MK Dons job and reveals Klopp suggested he earned his stripes away from the main action.
“We had numerous conversations and I asked Jürgen a lot of questions about what it was like,” he said.
“He spoke about his experiences. It was all about the next two years to go and sample it, try it and see what it is like. He gave me the pros and the cons, and gave me invaluable advice moving forward.
“I’m enjoying the role and making loads of mistakes, but they’re off-camera – which is what he suggested was the best move.
“I’m just trying to grow and learn and get used to a completely different role – and completely different job – to being a player. Now I’ve got more respect for managers and coaches; I used to think I was the best coach and manager in the world when I was a player.
“‘What are you doing that session for? Why are you doing this?’ Now, I apologise for all that and I realise how much of a difficult job it is for any coach or manager, because it’s a completely different ball game.”
Also Steven Gerrard admits he has been impressed with Andy Robertson’s impact at Liverpool FC.
The Reds signed the Scotland international in an £8m deal from Championship side Hull City in the 2017 summer transfer window.
Robertson was signed to strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s options at left-back following Alberto Moreno’s well-documented struggles.
Indeed, James Milner was used in an unorthodox full-back role throughout the 2016-17 season before Moreno came back into favour at the start of the current campaign.
However, the Scottish defender seized his chance to impress following Moreno’s injury setback at the start of December.
Robertson has made three assists in 18 appearances in the Premier League in the current campaign.
Former Liverpool FC captain Gerrard praised Klopp’s careful management of Robertson at the start of the season following the Scot’s summer move.
“He’s done terrifically well since he’s come in and the fans have taken to him,” Gerrard told BT Sport.
“It’s not just about the top attacking players here, the fans love someone who gives one hundred per cent.
“He’s a humble kid and gives 110 per cent every game. I think Jurgen managed him very well at the beginning.
“To be fair to the kid, he’s been excellent.”
Robertson has completed 90 minutes just once in the Champions League this season following Moreno’s strong start to the campaign before his injury.
However, the 24-year-old started Liverpool FC’s 5-0 win over FC Porto in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash.
Robertson will be hoping to retain his starting spot for Liverpool FC’s quarter-final meeting with Premier League leaders Manchester City in the Champions League.
