Another example is Scott Parker who is currently managing Burnley. They’re third with the best defensive record ever in the Championship but they are also abjectly hopeless in front of goal and Birnley fans are not happy with him at all.
Then you look at the fans opinions of him at all his previous clubs - Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge - and they all hate him and think he is widly incompetant. Saw one journalist who went to a Brugge game and asked a fan about Parker - his response was “We do not say his name here”
Its weird how some people’s reputations are quickly damaged while others are allowed to just fail over and over again.
But seriously he will have plenty of opportunities around the world. Whether Asia or Europe or even the USA, even if he has not a good track record as a manager, just having Gerrard in the club, a legend in modern football era, is a plus to alot of clubs
I love Rafa’s response to that - “for you, of course.” The admiration he has for him now is so much clearer than when they ever worked together. Rafa is the Tiger mum of football managers, but only for those good enough to rise to the challenge.
That was unexpectedly touching. I didn’t know about Stevie’s parents divorce or that he was with his mum. A younger Stevie under Klopp’s tutelage and love would have possibly been even greater!!
Even that was not really about him wanting out, but about a deep insecurity that led him to over interpret Parry’s actions towards him and he created a story in his head about how Rafa was trying to force him out and Parry getting ready to sell him.
In 2005, Strevie had the world at his feet. He could have gone anywhere. It speaks volumes about his character as a player to say No, I’m staying.
I’ll be eternally grateful towards him for that loyalty, and in my eyes, it enhances his standing in my personal GOAT list.
Shame that he doesn’t seem to be able to translate his enormous qualities as a player, towards his new job as a head coach, but hey… what he did for us as a player will remain forever.
