Gerrard to manage Liverpool U18s

Liverpool has confirmed the appointment of the club’s legend, Steven Gerrard as their Under-18’s manager – with the new boss looking to encourage a more “physical” style.

The ex-England captain replaces Neil Critchley, who will manage the U23s.

Gerrard hopes to curb the “show-boating mentality seen throughout academies”.

“A lot of kids think they have to do 10 lollipops or Cruyff turns to stand out. We all love a bit of skill and talent but the other side of the game is huge, it is massive” he added.

Gerrard says too many young players try to emulate the “show-boating” style of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Gerrard – who made 710 appearances for Liverpool – says he likes streetwise players but says “too many try to model themselves on players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo”.

“You have to look at yourself and say, ‘What are my strengths and how can I improve my weaknesses?”‘ he explained.

Gerrard plans to help the “soft” youth players transition from the “comfort zone” of an academy to the professional ranks.

“The kids in our academy are coming into an unbelievable place to work and there is a case where they get a little bit too much, too soon,” he added.