The mad Gerrard hype is doing my head in on tomorrow so a few thoughts on him and us …..
Yanno', it's funny that if this was anyone else managing mid-table Villa Saturday, who'd just taken over after winning the chip butty amateur league that is the SPL (and not least in a jarg season with no fans), people wouldn't blink twice and they DEFO wouldn't be talking that guy up to be taking over at L'pool off the back of such a scarce managerial record. But that man happens to be called Steven Gerrard. So, in many L'pool's supporters eyes, the legendary status he has, has him talked about to be Klopp's successor.
Which is all more than a little mad to me as the sentiment with Steven, for me personally, stopped when he left the football club. And I say that as someone who was always brought up to be of a Rangers persuasion. Side note- One of the things I REALLY miss today is the arl 'Rangers! Celtic! Rangers! Celtic! Rangers! Celtic! Rangers! .......' chant on the standing Kop. That was uniquely us and used to happen without fail every game. I still have a split 'L'pool/ Rangers' bobble hat from the '80's somewhere in the house but I digress .....
I really couldn't give a flying bleep what he does or doesn't do with Villa. Yeah, I wish him well like. But there it ends. He's of absolutely no consequence in the same way the vast majority of other clubs and their managers aren't. Seeing Reds following Villa's progress now is all a bit weird to me but each to their own. If we get to the time Klopp leaves, and he's been a success and improved on the Rafa-esq, safety first football that was on display at Ibrox (not quite as dull as Benitez’ brand of football. But equally as pragmatic), and earned the right to be in contention for the gig, then sound. Fair F's to him. But until then, he should be NOWHERE near the conversation. (Not that the conversation should even be had with still 3 seasons at the very least left of Jürgen at r's.).
That said, Saturday, though, will be proper weird welcoming him back to Anfield with the opposition. But I'm glad we get the chance to do it properly after the P poor send off he got at Stoke.
I hope it will go like another proper weird return when Kenny first came back with Blackburn. Gerrard's name getting belted out pre-game. Just like Kenny's. Then an even louder, longer singing of Klopp's when he comes out. Just like Souness' that day. Followed by a similar L'pool win. Which, all things being equal, should be another walloping as, make no mistake, recent upturn in results or not under Gerrard, Villa are BANG average. To all remind Steven just HOW many levels he has to climb to ever be in the opposite dugout.
As soon as that whistle goes Sat'day Stevie mate, you're just A N Other manager who's team I hope the mighty Reds absolutely destroy by as big a score as they possibly can.