Steven Gerrard hailed former club Liverpool for showing patience with Jurgen Klopp after the German signed a new contract at Anfield until 2026.
Klopp has Liverpool on the brink of a remarkable quadruple – they won the Carabao Cup, they have reached the FA Cup Final, have one foot in the Champions League Final and are one point behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.
Yet after taking charge of the Reds in 2015, Klopp finished eighth in his debut campaign had to wait four years for his first trophy – the 2019 Champions League. Then in 2020, he ended the club's 30-year wait for a league title.
'I think that's part of Jurgen's journey that people don't ever talk about because of the recent success,' said former Liverpool captain Gerrard, who took over as manager of Aston Villa last November.
'But in the first year he took over in October and it was very challenging. He changed a lot of personnel. He was given time to build something extremely special.
'I know that's not always the case. We can't always expect that just because one manager' ad that.
'But it shows that even when you take over a top team it takes time to get an identity across. It takes time to shape a squad to become a successful team.'
Gerrard also confirmed Villa would sign players this summer to go straight into the starting line-up, and others would leave.
The 42-year-old will be backed by billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and would like at least one centre-back, a holding midfielder, a wide attacker and a centre-forward.
He added: 'There will be some people moving on and there will be incomings as well. I am looking for a more settled team and we will be recruiting for the XI.'
GBZ_15
1
Jurgen take over Liverpool and finished at 8th on his debut (2015), but now liverpool is EPL Contender (since 2018). Thats the Transformation.
Zesabclstu
0
will Jurgen klopp take over Arsenal Replace Mikel Arteta and he take over Liverpool can Mikel Arteta signed a new contract form Arsenal
Brazil4Everr
0
Don’t forget that Liverpool’s planning is great. The transition will be similar to Shankly and Bob. I am not worried as Klopp will retire and still advise on LFC locker room.
Liverpool owners got used to continuously winning, they might get anxious if that stops and make United's mistakes of changing too many coaches or buying players without thorough studying. You have the precedent of what happens when a successful coach that has been at a club for too long, United after SAF and Arsenal after Wenger. Remember, if you told United fans back then that they'd end up like they're today, they'd laugh hard at you.
Japemnorsz
0
When Klopp leaves, it will take no more than 1-2 seasons for Liverpool to start declining and fighting for top 4. He's the genius who made modern Liverpool and the one holding it all together
Don’t forget that Liverpool’s planning is great. The transition will be similar to Shankly and Bob. I am not worried as Klopp will retire and still advise on LFC locker room.
Brazil4Everr
2
I hope not like Man U after SAF left.
Liverpool has very cheap investors. One key difference between Liverpool owners and Glazers is that the Liverpool owners trust Klopp, and know that whoever he goes for will be a good bargain, that's why they don't drag things. But I don't know if they'd trust the same way a new coach. They won't pay big, also some stars like Salah and Mane would be skeptical of the new coach and would seek a move. Long story short, players and owners trust Klopp and Klopp knows how to bring the best out of them. If Klopp goes, Liverpool might really suffer the United's fate.
limengoeng
0
When Klopp leaves, it will take no more than 1-2 seasons for Liverpool to start declining and fighting for top 4. He's the genius who made modern Liverpool and the one holding it all together
I hope not like Man U after SAF left.
Vezonic22
1
That patience is reaping in a lot and don't care about rivalry here, must applaud Klopp and his guys for doing so well. Wish my own club's fans will have such patience as this is the 6th manager coming take over after old Scottie SAF retired.
Brazil4Everr
4
When Klopp leaves, it will take no more than 1-2 seasons for Liverpool to start declining and fighting for top 4. He's the genius who made modern Liverpool and the one holding it all together