05 May 2018 19:23:53
Now that SG has left and people are talking about a replacement, I have to say my choice without a doubt would be Xabi Alonso. I know you can't be sure of success, but with his obvious love for LFC and his CV it could be a fantastic.


1.) 05 May 2018
05 May 2018 19:31:44
Should be Barry Lewtas.


2.) 05 May 2018
05 May 2018 19:49:31
I don't get the obsession with employing ex-players as coaches. I know their is a romance to it, but it isn't necessarily beneficial. Coaching is a specific talent. The only ex-player who I would want at the Academy is Zenden. His coaching work in Holland has been brilliant.

The others I don't mind helping out. BUT they shouldn't get key roles based on being players.

Gerrard did an interview a few months back moaning about being annoyed when players kept getting called up to the age groups above. Words to the effect of 'I want to keep them all together for a season ut i have to pick from the u16s'.

It suggests he was more interested in results than development. His presence inspired them to be better and I would like to assume he wasn't a bad coach, but his heart was still in the wrong place. So it is good that he has moved on.

Salah is spot on. The job should go to Barry Lewtas. He has worked his way up through the ranks the hard way; by proving that people who never played at a high level can still be great coaches.


3.) 05 May 2018
05 May 2018 20:11:29
Alonso will make a superb coach/ manager one day.


4.) 05 May 2018
05 May 2018 20:16:02
I would like to think so Ron, but if he is too results focused, he still wouldn't be a good development coach.

I am a closet romantic though and how good would it be if we had Gerrard and Alonso together in the Anfield dugout one day in the future 👀.


5.) 05 May 2018
05 May 2018 20:30:09
The biggest problem with Gerrard as a manager, in terms of youth coaching, is that he cannot shake his player mentality. The mentality of 'I have to win every single match. '

When you are a youth coach it is not about results, or your position in the table, it is about developing the young players as individuals and as a collective. More importantly, developing their footballing skill set, maturity, tactical knowledge and other essential skills that will lead them in good stead whether they remain in the football world or are forced to leave it.

Gerrard does not understand that mentality. As a player he worked his ass off to be better than everyone else, to be deserving of having a place in the Liverpool squad at such an early age. He wants to win, no matter the level. And, that is why I always felt he would be a poor youth coach because it is not about winning matches at that level.

However, now that Gerrard is at Rangers, with first team responsibilities, his mind set will be a big help to him. Although, if Gerrard really does spend his time complaining about his players getting taken then imagine what will happen when the injuries starting piling. These are things he is going to have to get used to and find solutions to.

I think Gerrard can go on to have an admirable managerial career. Whether he will ever manage Liverpool, who can? I wish him the best, as he has been immense for us at times, but, now Gerrard needs to prove himself all over again and the job he has taken is not going to be a seamless and joyful one at all points during his tenure. I will be interested to see how he handles these new responsibiltities, as well the pressure that comes with it.


6.) 05 May 2018
05 May 2018 20:37:09
I agree MK, I mean don't get me wrong it'd be great for the youngsters to walk in there and see the likes of Gerrard, Fowler or Alonso, imagine? but it's not about that it's about getting them ready and developing them into a pro footballer, been coached by the right man and I'm afraid the above aren't the right men for the job, as much as I love god, he wouldn't be a right fit for the job imo.

Lewtas has what, 15 years experience? and he's excelled whilst doing it, he deserves the job over anybody else. I see him as the LONG term replacement, a man who will really help the youngsters progress and that's what it's about, he knows this stuff and can thrive in such a position.

I agree Ron, in time I see Alonso been a top manager in the future.


7.) 06 May 2018
06 May 2018 00:48:40
Xabi Alonso has so much football intelligence that he couldn’t fail to be a top coach/ manager IF he has the passion and desire to do it.

{Ed0333's Note - I think your right Ron, he has the savvy and acumen to be a Pep but with more class and dignity. Would love him to manage us one day if he went into coaching, but he has to earn it.


8.) 06 May 2018
06 May 2018 05:02:42
Sorry Ron, Gerrard should get nowhere near managing LFC. Carragher as well for that matter.


9.) 06 May 2018
06 May 2018 09:31:29
Don’t apologise Brisbane, I never mentioned Gerrard or Carra managing LFC 😄.