Steven Gerrard admits ‘nerves and anxiety’ as he begins his coaching career at Liverpool Academy

STEVEN Gerrard has admitted to nerves as he prepares to begin work as a youth coach with Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard.

STEVEN Gerrard has admitted to nerves as he prepares to begin work as a youth coach with Liverpool.

The Champions League-winning former Reds captain, who retired in November after a spell in the United States, is due to take up his new role next week.

The 36-year-old was recently linked with a move into frontline management at League One MK Dons but has opted to begin his coaching career back where he started as a player, at Liverpool’s Academy.

Asked how he felt about the new job, Gerrard told BBC Sport: “There is an excitement there but also a bit of nerves and anxiety to see how it’s going to turn out.

“It’s a completely brand new role and completely different from being a player.

“It’s one I am really looking forward to getting my teeth into and learning a lot, and trying to develop over the coming months.”

Gerrard intends to take his time learning the job before deciding whether he is cut out for management.

He said: “There’s no rush, no timescale. The silly thing for me would be to rush and go in when I’m not ready.

“I’ve got incredible people around me and hopefully in the future there’ll be some exciting opportunities.

“I’ve a lot of dreams and aspirations to be the best I can be in terms of coaching and management — but we’ll have to wait and see if I’m going to be good enough.”

Gerrard is one of Liverpool’s greatest players having made 710 appearances, scored 186 goals and won 10 trophies over a 17-year career at Anfield.

Originally published as Steven Gerrard admits ‘nerves and anxiety’ as he begins his coaching career at Liverpool Academy