Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has the right characteristics to become a strong manager , according to his former LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena.
Gerrard ended his playing career in 2016 following an 18-month stint with the Galaxy, having left Liverpool after 17 years in a tenure that included two FA Cup wins, UEFA Cup glory and the Champions League title.
The 114-time capped former England international returned to Liverpool to coach in their academy and was granted control of the Under-18 side for the 2017-18 season.
After one season at youth level, Gerrard has taken on an immense challenge at Ibrox, with Celtic having firmly established themselves as Scotland s dominant force since Rangers were relegated to the fourth tier after being liquidated in 2012.
Arena thinks Gerrard s playing career holds him in good stead and he has the foundations in place to be successful in the dugout.
Well being a manager or a coach at any level requires some experience. Steven Gerrard s only a couple years out of playing, he s had some time at the academy level at Liverpool. I think in time he can become a strong manager, Arena told Omnisport when promoting his new book.
The hard work continued on day three of pre-season training camp.
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I think Rangers are a club with a lot of tradition in Scotland, as of late they have not been a strong club they were relegated some years ago because I think of some financial irregularities, I m not exactly sure.
But now they re back in the first division, they re way behind Celtic but it s going to be Steven s job to get them back up and competitive with Celtic.
I think Steven Gerrard s always wanted to stay involved in the sport his whole life. His background is a strong one as a player, got some good experience in the United States as well, it helps him grow.
It remains to be seen what he ll be like as a manager but one would think he s got a lot of the characteristics you need to be successful.
Outspoken, honest, and game changing—Bruce Arena’s memoir What s Wrong with US? is available now wherever books are sold. For more information, visit https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062803948/whats-wrong-with-us/.
