Steven Gerrard Admits He'd Relish Chance of Renewing Frank Lampard Rivalry as Manager

23 February 2020 17:00

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has admitted that he'd love the chance to renew his rivalry with Frank Lampard as a manager. 

The pair both started their managerial careers last season - Gerrard at Rangers and Lampard at Derby - before the latter moved to Stamford Bridge at the beginning of the season to succeed Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea boss.

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard, who guided the Reds to Champions League & FA Cup glories during his time at Anfield, has already been tipped as a future successor to Jurgen Klopp, though it's unlikely that the German - on the cusp of delivering a maiden Premier League title - will be leaving any time soon.

That hasn't stopped Gerrard, though, in conversation with former teammate Danny Murphy (via ​MailOnline Sport) from admitting that he respects everything Lampard has achieved so far at rivals Chelsea.

Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard, who guided the Reds to Champions League & FA Cup glories during his time at Anfield, has already been tipped as a future successor to Jurgen Klopp, though it's unlikely that the German - on the cusp of delivering a maiden Premier League title - will be leaving any time soon.

That hasn't stopped Gerrard, though, in conversation with former teammate Danny Murphy (via MailOnline Sport) from admitting that he respects everything Lampard has achieved so far at rivals Chelsea.

"I admire Frank for his bottle, leading ​Chelsea in the biggest league in the world during a transfer ban. I'm proud of him as a former team-mate," Gerrard said.

"There will naturally be a comparison to me and Frank because there was when we were players. Could we play together? Who was better? There is still an element of that but the reality is we are in two completely different jobs."

The debate about who was the better player was one that dogged both players for much of their career, with either likely to admit that they failed to produce their best form on the international stage.

When Murphy suggested he would like to see them renew their rivalry as managers for the next 10 or 15 years, Gerrard replied: "So would I. I'm sure Frank has had the same thoughts. But I'd also love to become a rival to Jose Mourinho."

Current manager Klopp's contract at ​Liverpool expires in the summer of 2024, which is - coincidentally - the same time that Gerrard's contract at Rangers finishes, but he again suggested that he's unsure whether or not it would be the right step.

"I understand why [people assume I could take over from Klopp] because I was captain for so long and a large chunk of the fanbase would like me back at the club.

Steven Gerrard

"But I'm bright enough to realise that, first and foremost, you have to be good enough. The owners need to think you're the right man."

Source: 90min